Guardiola clashes with journalist who says he lacked respect to Tsimikas

Julian Alvarez was on hand to bring City level after Mohamed Salah's opener for the Reds, with the hosts going on to win 4-1.

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Guardiola was jubilant on the touchline and appeared to celebrate in front of Tsimikas, who was walking past him at the time.

The City boss embraced him shortly after with there being little sign of any animosity between the two.

However, he was challenged on his antics during his post-match press conference, providing a sarcastic reply to one journalist in particular.

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Guardiola offered his explanation for what happened, saying: "I was happy and I said 'how nice was our goal?' That's all."

When asked if it was an attempt at humour, he replied: "Of course! Come on."

Sam Wallace of The Telegraph then claimed it was provocative, but Guardiola responded with: "Ay come on. I'm so sorry.

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"Speak with Tsimikas, speak with the others if there was a lack of respect. Ask him if I lack respect.

"I celebrate the goal, I celebrate with my son on the floor. I come and say 'oh it was nice, isn't it?' That's all."

"You think it was a lack of respect?" asked Guardiola, to which Wallace replied: "I thought it was a bit, yeah."

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The City boss was not best pleased, responding with: "Ah OK sorry, I'm so sorry."

Alvarez's leveller was followed by goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish.

City were a class above their opponents in the second half, with Liverpool crumbling away from home.

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It's a result that keeps their Premier League title hopes alive.

But they remain eight points behind Arsenal after Mikel Arteta's men thrashed Leeds 4-1 at the Emirates.