Phil Foden has revealed why his first Premier League start of the season lasted just 56 minutes.
With David Silva out injured, Guardiola turned to 19-year-old Foden – and he did very well as City racked up a 3-0 win at Arsenal.
Foden went off before the hour mark, replaced by Bernardo Silva, and with Guardiola describing his contribution in both defence and attack as “perfect”.
The player said he could not say for certain why he was substituted, but added: “I'm disappointed with that but the manager saw I had tired legs – I have not played two games in a short time for ages, so maybe he saw that my legs were a bit tired. But I was just really happy to start.
“It's my first Premier League start this year and I'm just delighted to help the lads out.”
In terms of the title race, Foden said the task of catching Liverpool, 14 points clear at the top, was almost impossible – but that did not mean City would be giving up.
“We have to focus on ourselves. We know we would have to win just about every game just to have a chance, so it's about focussing on ourselves and knowing we need three points every game. That's what we will try to do.”