Pep Guardiola claimed Manchester City's 1-0 win over Tottenham was extra special because of the problems posed by Wembley's damaged pitch.
Playing on the scarred Wembley turf just 24 hours after it was torn up by an NFL fixture, City's peerless quality and a predatory finish from Riyad Mahrez helped them win the pitch battle.
A sixth victory from their last seven league games lifted Guardiola's unbeaten side back above Liverpool on goal difference.
And the City manager admitted he was relieved to see his players cope with the treacherous conditions.
"It was a great victory in special conditions, against one of the most physical teams in Europe," he said.
"It was not football conditions to play. We reacted well. For our players and the players of Tottenham, hopefully they will sort the problem for the future.
"It's a question for the Premier League and Tottenham. We were invited to come here today for the fixture hopefully they can solve that problem."
"The circumstances of the pitch were the same for both sides. It was the kind of cheap goal you cannot concede in this type of game. Football will punish you,"
"I'm proud of the effort, we created a lot of chances. Last season it was difficult to compete against Manchester City, but today the level was closer."
- Flowing move -
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