Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says his side’s quest for Champions League qualification will be determined by their remaining home games, after they came from behind twice to draw 2-2 away at Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Former City striker Alvaro Negredo put the hosts ahead in the 38th minute before Sergio Aguero levelled from the penalty spot after half-time.
Boro regained the lead in the 77th minute when Calum Chambers finished from close range, but Gabriel Jesus snatched a point for City when he headed in with five minutes remaining.
City, who occupy fourth spot in the table just a point ahead of Manchester rivals United, will play three of their remaining four league games in front of a home crowd as they look to cement a Champions League place.
“Our qualification depends in our home at the Etihad with the three games that we have,” Guardiola said.
“We have tough games. Everybody has tough games so it’s game by game.”
Guardiola added he was pleased with the point against an impressive Boro side and admitted the strength of the opponents challenged his team.
“In the first half, we had problems to control the counter-attacks. We were not good enough in the positions to control – there were too many people in front and no people inside but the second half was much better,” he said.
“It’s a point so we didn’t lose. It’s still there, so we’ll see.
The Spaniard voiced frustrations at City’s first-half display at the Riverside Stadium, but remains confident his men can deliver the performances required of them if they are to seal a top-four finish.
“In the first half we had we had problems to control the counter-attacks. We were not good enough in the positions to control – there were too many people in front and no people inside but the second half was much better,” he added.
“It’s a point so we didn’t lose. It’s still there, so we’ll see.
“I think the character of the team is not doubted – always they’ve had that. They’ve shown that all season.”
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