Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says it is no surprise that there were so many goals in their game against Leicester on Saturday.
City ran out 6-3 winners over Brendan Rodgers’ team at the Etihad on St. Stephen’s Day.
Goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gündogan, plus two penalties, helped the home side amass a 4-0 lead by the 26th minute.
However, the Foxes fought back to reduce the deficit to just one goal, before Guardiola's team finally pulled away.
Speaking to the media after the game, Guardiola remarked it was a “Boxing Day game, so” such a result was not unexpected on a day which traditionally produces goalfests.
However, the Man City boss gave credit to both teams for playing their part in an excellent match.
“Yeah, we had an exceptional first half," Guardiola said. "But even in the first half, when they had the ball, [we] always arrived in the position to punish.”
“We spoke at half-time, and they changed their shape with five at the back. They defended deep, awaiting the actions, and immediately they found two goals.”
“We didn’t know if we should attack or be more cautious. We were lucky at the end with the set pieces, where we could score the fifth and sixth goals - otherwise, there would’ve been problems until the end.”
“Football is over when it’s over," Guardiola pointed out. "Against good teams like Leicester, with the quality that they have, anything can happen.”
Guardiola: "I’m not disappointed with my team's defence"
Guardiola also noted that he is not upset with his team’s defence on the day, despite conceding two goals on the counter-attack.
“I’m not disappointed with my team, because the opening had good actions and good quality,” Guardiola added.
“Ayme[ric Laporte] and Ruben [Dias] knew that it was one [more] yellow card to get suspended, and so he was not aggressive at that moment.”
“Normally, he would be aggressive to win that ball. With the quality of the people they have up front, that can happen.”
“Overall, the game was really good, especially in that first half," Guardiola continued. "And there were good moments in the second.”
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