Pep Guardiola praised Erling Haaland's showings in Manchester City's 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the FA Community Shield at the King Power Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Premier League champions were handed their second Community Shield loss in 12 months as goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez led Jurgen Klopp's side to glory.
City went full strength following their successful tour of the United States, with Erling Haaland partnering Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez in attack.
However, the Blues looked significantly off the pace against their arch rivals, who dominated much of the first half and went ahead just past the 20-minute mark through Trent Alexander-Arnold.
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Guardiola's men managed to create a few decent chances but failed to test Adrian as they lacked the cutting edge in front of goal.
City improved towards the end of the opening 45 minutes but Liverpool held on to a slender but well-deserved lead after a statement of intent against the kings.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola said: "Congratulations Liverpool. First 15-20 minutes, they were better. After that, we got our game and it was quite similar (in) the last 25 minutes.
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"We arrive when they left space and tried to attack. Second-half, we started really well. Our game was there.
"We were really good against this team, even in the first-half we created enough chances to do it (win)."
City came out fighting in the second half but as Grealish and Mahrez struggled to combine with Erling Haaland up top, Guardiola introduced some fresh legs in attack.
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Phil Foden and new signing Julian Alvarez came on to inject some pace down the wings as the Blues searched for an equaliser.
Alvarez, who has generated a great sense of excitement amongst the Manchester City fanbase with his performances in pre-season, made an instant impact as he poked in the leveller from point-blank range.
However, it was not meant to be going City's way as Mohamed Salah converted from the penalty spot after a handball decision given against Ruben Dias by referee Craig Pawson.
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Liverpool sealed the win in injury time as substitute and record signing Darwin Nunez headed in from Andy Robertson's cross after some commendable work down the right by Mohamed Salah.
City have been sent a crucial reminder by their title rivals, who were fitter, faster and sharper on the day.
All eyes were on City's marquee signing Erling Haaland ahead of the tie but the Norwegian struggled to make an impact on proceedings and was often left isolated down the middle in attack.
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However, the young forward's performance was hailed by Pep Guardiola despite him failing to tap into a near empty net after Adrian pushed Phil Foden's effort from outside the box into Haaland's feet in the closing stages.
"It is good for him (Haaland) to see the reality in a new country and a new league but he was there," Guardiola said. "He didn't score. He has incredible quality and he will do it.
"He had chances, two or three in the first half and one at the end. He fought a lot and made the movements.
"When Erling Haaland scored in the (United) States, everyone talked about how impressive he was.
"He was there and had the chances - nothing changes. He's strong. Another time he will put it in the net. It's football."
Featured Image Credit: Action Foto Sport / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Premier League, Liverpool, Community Shield, Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola, Erling Haaland
