Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City did not have enough to beat Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham this weekend.
City had 21 shots to the Hammers’ six, but all that mattered was that they scored one goal each at the London Stadium.
Although he was frustrated by the result, Guardiola was complimentary of Nuno, comparing his team to Real Madrid.
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Pep Guardiola compares West Ham approach to Real Madrid
Guardiola explained how Nuno had a similar approach to playing against Man City as Real Madrid had done earlier in the week.
Both sides looked to soak up pressure with a deep defensive line and counter-attack when they won the ball back.
Meanwhile, Guardiola lauded Nuno as a set-piece “master” after Konstantinos Mavopanos’ equalising goal from a corner.
“Many things we have done could be better,” Guardiola reflected, via mancity.com. “Could be more aggressive in the first half with the last pass.
“In the end, we need creativity with crosses, shots, dribbles, but we have struggled with that a little this season. It’s not easy, you know.
“I’m so respectful of both teams, but they played with low blocks and on transitions. Madrid are more dangerous on transitions; Nuno is a master of set pieces.”
In an era when managers are often judged on their style of play, Nuno’s defensive approach to getting results is a throwback.
As long as he keeps West Ham in the Premier League, he will not care whether they have 30% possession in every game.
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