“I don’t know how Tsimikas hasn’t pushed him out of the way there!”
With Arsenal not playing Leeds United until later on Saturday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was desperate for his Manchester City to heap some pressure on by getting three points against Liverpool.
City started the better of the old title rivals but fell behind to a lovely Mo Salah finish after nice hold-up work from Diogo Jota.
The hosts came steaming back and a Jack Grealish cross was slotted home by Julian Alvarez to level matters and send the Etihad wild. Guardiola himself was swept up in the emotion of it all, even bringing Liverpool substitutes into his celebrations.
A rollercoaster of emotions for Pep Guardiola so far… pic.twitter.com/JFMAFXLzLa
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2023
Rio Ferdinand on Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola spun to celebrate the Alvarez equaliser and, losing the run of himself, goaded Kostas Tsimikas before stopping fellow Liverpool substitute Arthur Melo to shake his hand and playfully push the back of his head.
“That celebration there,” said Rio Ferdinand, on BT Sport, “I don’t know how Tsimikas hasn’t pushed him out of the way there!
“He seems happy… he couldn’t contain himself.”
"I don't know how Tsimikas hasn't pushed him out of the way there!" 👀
Pep Guardiola didn't hold back in his celebrations in front of the Liverpool players… 😂
🎙️ @rioferdy5 pic.twitter.com/d5v9oS6eiu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 1, 2023
The second half saw Pep Guardiola celebrating again as Kevin De Bruyne fired Manchester City into the lead before Ilkay Gundogan made it 3-1, after 53 minutes.
Ahead of the game, the Spaniard spoke highly of this Liverpool side. “They remain an exceptional team,” he said. “My opinion doesn’t change.
“They can beat everyone, like we can beat everyone. This season the biggest rival is another one but whatever happens in the future they are a big rival.”
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