Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says he has learnt that the gap in the Premier League is smaller from top to bottom, since taking over at the club in the summer.
Guardiola previously managed in Spain and Germany; where there is generally a smaller group of possible league title contenders.
This will be the manager’s first Christmas without a winter break as they look to get closer to leaders Chelsea who are seven points ahead of them.
Guardiola told ITV: “It is so important to be solid in the middle and at the back. Against Watford and Arsenal we conceded few chances, not just because of the back four but our pressing was higher. Our controlling the game was with the counter-attack, when we had to use it, and our retention of the ball.
“That is why we conceded few chances but every game is different. Absolutely anything can happen in every game. What I have learned in my short period here is that the gap between the first 10 and the last 10 is not a big difference.
“That is why it is difficult to win. I am not expecting that the games, whether they are home or away, will be easier than any others.”
The Cityzens are on their travels as they head to Hull City on Boxing Day, before a crucial game against Liverpool at Anfield on New Years’ Eve.
The Reds are just one place and one point ahead of Guardiola’s men and the visitors will be without Sergio Aguero – who is still suspended for his red card in the defeat to Chelsea.
Pablo Zabaleta could return but Vincent Kompany is still out through injury, as is Ilkay Gundogan, who had surgery on his knee earlier this week.
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