'We could not score in the six-yard box' – Guardiola bemoans Man City profligacy

Pep Guardiola rued Manchester City's failure to "score in the six-yard box" during their goalless draw with Sunderland.

The Citizens missed the chance to move back within two points of Premier League leaders Arsenal, after they were forced to settle for a share of the spoils at the Stadium of Light.

Guardiola's side enjoyed two-thirds of the possession and registered 14 shots on goal, but were unable to find a way past their stubborn hosts, who remain unbeaten at home this season.

City registered their highest xG (2.25) in a Premier League game in which they failed to score since March 2022 against Crystal Palace (2.92).

As well as seeing their eight-match winning streak in all competitions come to an end, they also drew a blank in the top flight in January for the first time since a 4-0 loss at Everton in 2017.

"We could not score in the six-yard box," Guardiola said. "The amount of chances we missed in the six-yard box, not difficult ones. We could not convert.

"We didn't do what we talked about in the first half. It was a better second half. The guys did everything. They are a bit heads down, but we have to be heads up because, in three days, we have a difficult game against Chelsea.

"We created enough chances. We had a lot, but unfortunately we could not do it. We take the point. The result is always what it is."

Bernardo Silva saw an early strike ruled out for offside, while Savinho and Josko Gvardiol were denied by Robin Roefs, and last-ditch blocks thwarted Jeremy Doku and Gvardiol later on.

Skipper Silva concurred the visitors were much improved during the second period, but was left frustrated by the result.

"Two different halves," he said. "In the first half, we didn't play that well. We didn't control the counter as well as we should. We attacked a bit too quickly – we didn't move them to find spaces.

"In the second half, we had a lot more chances. Today was one of those days when we couldn't finish them. We are not happy because we wanted better than this."