Liverpool draw ‘one of my happiest days’ – Guardiola

Ex-City man James Milner’s 51st-minute penalty put Liverpool ahead at a soggy Etihad Stadium, but Sergio Aguero’s leveller 21 minutes from time earned the hosts a deserved share of the spoils.

“You cannot imagine. It is one of happiest days of my career as a manager. I am so proud,” said Guardiola, whose side were knocked out of the Champions League by Monaco in mid-week.

“After the Champions League, the last few days at training people were so, so, sad. People don’t talk too much.

“We arrive here against Liverpool, who have no Europe all season and one week to prepare. The spirit, how we played, it is one of my happiest days as a manager.”

City had several chances to win the game, with Aguero twice going close late on and Kevin De Bruyne hitting the post, but Adam Lallana also wasted a gilt-edged chance for Liverpool at the other end.

The result kept City in third place in the table, 12 points below leaders Chelsea and a point above Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, who have played a game more.

“To get a point at Manchester City for each team in the world is absolutely OK,” Klopp told Sky Sports.

“There were a few situations where we couldn’t defend their quality. We could have won this game, because we forced the goalkeeper into a few outstanding saves.”