Micah Richards defends Gary Neville over Man City criticism after Pep Guardiola comments

Micah Richards has suggested Gary Neville used the wrong word when describing Manchester City as “complacent” following their 3-3 draw with Tottenham earlier this month, and said criticism only fuels the fire for a Blues rebound.

City’s 2-1 win away at Luton ended the team’s four-game winless run, which comprised draws against Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs before a defeat to high-flying Aston Villa. Leading up to the Villa loss, Pep Guardiola hit back at Neville’s words by pointing to the fact that he never won four titles in a row during his playing career.

That is the aim for City this season, with Sunday’s win cutting the gap to the top to four points following Arsenal’s defeat to Villa, who remain two points ahead of the champions. Richards says doubters only encourage City to prove them wrong.

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Speaking on Match Of The Day 2 after Sunday’s win over Luton, the former Blues defender said: “The team showed their character, but that didn't surprise me at all. Whenever people talk negatively about them, it just spurs them on.

"I wouldn't say Pep has been touchy recently, but it is like he is taking that criticism and going 'well, if that's what you think, we will show you', and the whole team has got that attitude too.

"They might not win the title, although I believe they will, but they will fight to the end. If someone else does beat them to it, then it is going to be very close."

Richards went on to defend fellow Sky Sports pundit Neville by suggesting the ex-Manchester United captain did not mean to use the word “complacent” when describing City’s previous dip in form.

"I don't think 'complacent' was the right word Gary