GUARDIOLA FRUSTRATED AS CITY FAIL TO CASH IN ON CHANCES AT SUNDERLAND

LONDON, Jan 2 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was left frustrated after his team failed to take advantage of numerous chances as they were held to a goalless draw against Sunderland, reported PA Media/dpa.

City had an early goal chalked off when Bernardo Silva was ruled to be offside after firing home from a corner.

An entertaining encounter unfolded between the two sides, with Brian Brobbey and Erling Haaland both having efforts saved, before Trai Hume headed over in the closing stages of the first half.

Savinho had two chances at the start of the second half and Eliezer Mayenda had a shot saved by Donnarumma before Josko Gvardiol had two great opportunities, with a header saved by Roefs and he then hit the post with 16 minutes of normal time to go.

A point means City sit four points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, but Guardiola was still pleased with his team's display.

He said: "Really good game, especially the second half. The first half was really tight, the chances we missed to score a goal in the six-yard box.

"We had many there, we had good actions against a fantastic team but I'm so proud and delighted of the way we played in this difficult stadium against a difficult opponent.

"We did everything to win, but in the end we couldn't do it."

The sides also met last month, where City claimed a 3-0 win at the Etihad, but a draw at the Stadium of Light means the Black Cats extend their unbeaten league run at home to 10 games.

Speaking about Sunderland, Guardiola said: "Really good, a surprise, but we created a lot.

"I don't know if teams are able to come here and create what we create. Even the first half, marginally offside and we had one or two.

"They had two transitions because our shape to attack was not correct. We talked before the game, the second half we adjusted. When you are – I don't know how many times – five, six, seven times in the six-yard box, should score a goal.

"We played miles better than Nottingham Forest and today we could not win, it happens. Now it's recovery because we have two days to the Chelsea game and we'll go for it."

-- BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa