Man City vs Wolves: Pep Guardiola admits his players were ‘nervous’ during shock defeat

The Premier League champions now trail Liverpool by eight points in the title race

Pep Guardiola admitted his Manchester City side suffered from nerves during their derailing 2-0 defeat at home to Wolves.

Adama Traore‘s late double punished an uninspiring performance from the Premier League champions, who enjoyed 76 per cent possession and took 18 shots, yet lacked the incision of the absent Kevin De Bruyne and rarely tested Rui Patricio in the Wolves goal.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side started the game fast and came close to capitalising on three early defensive mishaps which Guardiola admitted embedded nerves in his team for the duration of the match.

“It was a bad day, sometimes it happens,” said Guardiola, who said his team’s wayward passing should shoulder the blame for the defeat.

“We started quite well and after we conceded two situations in our buildup where it’s impossible to defend, we got a little bit nervous.

“We controlled them better in the second half but at the end with us attacking and people up front, we lost balls in positions it is so difficult and they were clinical.

“Before that we hit the post we had actions but the way we played was not good. It was not a good day, we didn’t play good.”

City now trail Liverpool by eight points in the two-headed race for the title, however, Guardiola insisted that there is still “a long way to go” and is certain his side will stage a comeback.

Pep Guardiola cuts a frustrated figure on the touchline (Reuters)

“I know these guys, they can still do it. It was a bad day, a bad game. Credit to the opponent. What’s happened has happened...

“Today was the day we were not on our level. The previous games were good. The distance is big, Liverpool have not dropped points.

“Now is the time to come back. The results will dictate the situation, but we are in October and there’s a long way to go.