Guardiola jokes broadcasters should send him wine after thrilling nine-goal encounter

Pep Guardiola quipped on Friday that he and Fulham boss Marco Silva merit a bottle of wine for delivering a captivating nine-goal spectacle, though he conceded Manchester City needs to shore up their defence.

City, sitting second in the Premier League, surged to a 5-1 advantage at Craven Cottage on Tuesday, yet they clung on desperately as the hosts chased a leveller.

City head coach Guardiola called the 5-4 contest "one of the matches of the season".

"If I were watching that from home, I would not switch channels," he remarked ahead of his sides fixture with Sunderland.

"I am certain the broadcasters are delighted with us. They should show some appreciation to Marco and me, perhaps with a bottle of wine for the lot of us. Seriously, I mean it. The broadcasters must be thrilled."

City, who lost their Premier League title to Liverpool in the previous campaign, have shipped 16 goals in the league this term, nine more than pace-setting Arsenal.

Guardiola acknowledged his squad must bolster their rear guard, but noted they are not leaking too many gilt-edged opportunities.

"Naturally, I dislike shipping two goals in a 3-2 victory over Leeds and four against Fulham, that is six in two matches, yet simultaneously we lead the scoring charts and we must capitalise on that," he explained. 

"We need to address these issues. I am confident we can improve, we generate openings and convert them into goals because we have assembled a squad geared towards that, but we must become more compact. It is a collective responsibility, not solely for the keepers or backline."

Guardiola warned that Sunderland, occupying sixth spot in their return to the Premier League, will pose a stern test.

"They merit their position," he stated. "When a newly promoted side performs strongly over five outings, fine, it could be momentum. That might occur.

"However, after 14 league games facing the sort of opposition that everyone finds tough to beat while holding that standing, they have earned it."

Guardiola revealed that midfielder Rodri, sidelined by a hamstring problem, will miss the Sunderland clash.

"He is progressing," the City manager noted. "I cannot say exactly when he will return, but he will be prepared."