Guardiola claims City “played really well” despite a lackluster draw against Everton

Despite being winless in their last four matches, Frank Lampard’s men showed real grit as they stopped

at their home but City boss Guardiola insists his team “

played really well”

.

The match was the perfect opportunity for City to close the gap to Arsenal who sit 5 points clear of them at the top of the league as the Gunners have a tough fixture ahead of them. However, Frank Lampard’s men fought valiantly to make a comeback and rescue a draw against defending champions.

"Great game. We've played really well in the last three games and it makes me feel optimistic,"

Guardiola told BBC Sport.

"Dropping points at home is always tough, but I'm always trying to make our game good, and we have continued to do it.

"I would say they had eight at the back. In that situation, it's about movement and attacking at the right moment. In general, we did it. We didn't allow them transitions. 

"They made a fantastic goal and when that happens you say congratulations, but in general we did really well."

City defender

didn’t echo Guardiola as he was more negative about the result, saying:

"I don't really know what to say. I feel like we've lost two points,"

the former Everton centre-back said.

"That's football.

"We controlled the game for the majority of the time and had a lot of chances, but we couldn't seem to get that goal.

"It's difficult to take after the game. We showed great character to keep fighting and pushing. It was a bit of a scrappy game.

"We conceded two shots all game, but it's overlooked because of that incredible goal. On reflection, we'll be more positive when we look back, I'm sure."

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