In a bizarre post-match interview, Guardiola told BBC Sport: “Sure it was a big mistake, you are right.
“Yes. I am intelligent (to make the change).
“We won against a lot of circumstances and it was a tough game, so we are happy for that.
Asked for his view on Fernandinho’s sending off, Guardiola said: “You are the journalist, not me. Ask the referee, not me.
“We accept, the team with more ball possession, we always have players sent off. We have to understand the rules here in England. We are a specialist, but we have to understand it.
“ll around the world you find fault in the box, here it’s not. It was his fault, Claudio Bravo, all the around the world, but here no. We have to understand that.
When told that he seemed unhappy that his side had won, Guardiola added: “More than you believe. I’m so happy, believe me. Happy new year.
The awkward interview ended with a pretty dismissive response as to whether Emirates Marketing Project are still in the title race.
“Yesterday no, why today are we in the title race?”