Kyle Walker admits senior Man City stars gave squad a talking to after Forest draw
Manchester City defender Kyle Walker has admitted that he and other senior members of the squad let their teammates know exactly what they thought of Saturday’s ‘unacceptable’ 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
City came into the weekend top of the table after securing a vital and equally impressive victory over Arsenal on Wednesday night. But the reigning champions then failed to capitalise on that result by dropping points in a game against they were heavy favourites to win.
Pep Guardiola’s team even led for half the game at the City Ground after Bernardo Silva scored shortly before half-time, only to concede a Chris Wood equaliser in the final moments.
Although Guardiola praised the overall performance and suggested it came down to missed chances rather than a failure to create them, Walker was furious.
"First and foremost, we go to the Emirates and play the game we did and then come here, it's unacceptable,” the four-time Premier League champion said.
“If we want to compete with teams near the top we need to win. We missed a few chances and we need to do better as a team.
"Sometimes it's football and sometimes it's emotion. Every game should be treated the same - like a cup final. What can I say other than it is unacceptable. We have to stick together as a group.
"The senior members of the team put our thoughts across. That is just not acceptable. We have to give credit to Nottingham Forest. They dug in and hung on. We have to do better.”
Arsenal’s late comeback win over Aston Villa ensured the Gunners took advantage and returned to top spot, opening up a two-point cushion and still having a game in hand.
Despite the blow, City will have to quickly refocus as their Champions League campaign resumes on Wednesday with the first leg of a last 16 tie against RB Leipzig away in Germany.