Pep Guardiola makes Liverpool 'tsunami' claim as touchline argument explained

Pep Guardiola feared his Manchester City would be swept away by an Anfield “tsunami” as they fought out a thrilling Premier League draw with Liverpool.

Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty shortly after half-time wiped out a first-half opener from John Stones in a 1-1 stalemate on Sunday afternoon.

City had dominated before the interval only for the Reds to produce a strong showing after the break and were controversially denied an injury-time penalty when Mac Allister appeared to be fouled by Jeremy Doku.

What angry Haaland did after KDB row shows Liverpool truth as VAR problems clear

Klopp gives honest take on Liverpool penalty decision after VAR denial

And Guardiola, who has never won at Anfield in front of paying supporters, acknowledged the impact of the Liverpool fans.

“We spoke at half-time that in this stadium if you have to defend something you have to play and play and play,” said the City boss. “But sometimes you can’t because they are really good, they are the best team I ever seen in the high pressing.

“In the Etihad Stadium we were able to do it, in the last two games we were magnificent with our results... we drew there this season (against Liverpool) but we played really good.

“Here is completely different, we play in Anfield, the environment is a reality, the players know it, I know it, opponents know it. But we never tried to forget to play, knowing that somebody it is difficult.

“We gave away the penalty, and sooner or later with this stadium you have 15 or 20 minutes and it looks like a tsunami, oh my God, coming for everybody who has the ball.

“After, when Mateo (Kovacic) came in you can make extra passes and that was the target, because they (Liverpool) are very strong in pressing and counter-pressing