- Man City was left without first place in the Premier League after drawing with Arsenal
- Pep Guardiola admitted that the champions need their rivals to leave points
- Why Roberto De Zerbi should be in the race to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – Listen to the everything is beginning podcast
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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claimed only one team set out to entertain during Sunday’s tense title clash as Arsenal walked away with a precious point.
Liverpool were the big winners after coming from behind to beat Brighton before City were frustrated by the Gunners in a grim goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola praised Mikel Arteta’s set-up but made constant reference to the numbers Arsenal deployed in defensive areas and how deep they sat to achieve a result.
“I recognized my team, I’m very proud,” Guardiola said. ‘Arsenal went (deep) very well. It was difficult to find (passes) in the tight spaces. The low block was really difficult.
‘Our intention was there. They defended very well in the low block with a lot of people, surrounding Erling (Haaland). Be patient and find the pass.
Pep Guardiola said that only one team intended to entertain in Manchester City’s draw against Arsenal
Erling Haaland remained silent at the Etihad as City fell out of first place in the Premier League
Guardiola praised Arsenal’s low block and insisted he was proud of his team’s effort
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‘There are different ways to do it. They did well with the press and then after the blockade. No matter how many players you defend with, the main objective is not to concede. I only control my team and the rest I don’t know.’
Asked how to break down a tenacious defensive line, Guardiola replied: “Kill someone?” Play with nine?
City have taken just four points from games against the top five, compared to 16 last season and Guardiola admitted they are relying on favors from elsewhere in the quest for a fourth successive title.
The Catalan, who is no stranger to frenetic clashes, defended his team by suggesting that critics have a short memory.
“It’s been like it’s been 7-0 every week for the last six years,” he added.
‘Because we won five out of six, you (believe that) we have to win by being 10 points ahead. You can’t because they are very good, Jurgen (Klopp) and Mikel with their teams are exceptional. “As a team we are still there.”
