The Spanish coach Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, confirmed in his statements after the defeat against Aston Villa that his team played a very good match despite their inability to capitalize on the available scoring opportunities.

Guardiola said: "We are a very good team, and we played a wonderful match. What we missed in the end was the final touch, the last pass, the last shot, the last cross, to be more present in the opponent's area. In the end, we couldn't score."

Regarding his team conceding a goal from a set piece, the Spanish coach added: "This is the first goal we have conceded from a set piece. We had opportunities to score, but we didn't take advantage of them. Football is not just one aspect."

Guardiola concluded his statements by discussing the team's situation in the current season, saying: "I am satisfied; we are doing well in the Champions League, as well as in the Premier League, and we are continuously improving. We learn from every match. I know what we need to do; it is a long journey. We try to stay close to the top, and we are now thinking about the Carabao Cup and the tough upcoming matches at our stadium."