Manchester City on Saturday were handed their second defeat of the season as they lost 1-2 to Brentford at home.
Ivan Toney’s double was all the visitors needed to turn the tide against the Citizens at Etihad. While Toney’s opener was cancelled by Phil Foden in the stroke of half time, the later would eventually dealt a big blow on the host in the dead of game.
Speaking after the encounter, Pep Guardiola acknowledged Brentford were worthy winners in a game that also enjoyed an additional time of 10 minutes.
“The best team won, the better team won,” Guardiola told BT Sport.
“We struggled a lot from the long balls, direct from [David] Raya up to the striker, and when they lost the ball, they were always behind the ball.
“We had problems up front and we didn’t have our rhythm. We had more momentum, but when it was crosses, second balls… we struggled.
“It’s difficult, in the small spaces, we need the quality and we struggled. But yeah, they were better, I accept it.”
Asked whether his side played with caution due to the upcoming World Cup, Guardiola said: “Who knows? I don’t think so.
“I think the problem was tactical, you saw how the guys ran and how they fought, it was more the long balls and second balls, we weren’t able to do it.
“It’s football, now there’s a break for everyone. I congratulate Brentford. Hopefully the guys at the World Cup can enjoy it, and we’ll come back” he concluded.