- Man City missed out on Premier League top spot after drawing with Arsenal
- Pep Guardiola has admitted the champions need their rivals to drop points
- Why Roberto De Zerbi should be in the running to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola claimed that only one team set out to entertain during Sunday’s tense title clash as Arsenal left with a precious point.
Liverpool were the big winners after coming from behind to beat Brighton before City were later left frustrated by the Gunners in a dour goalless draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Guardiola praised Mikel Arteta‘s set-up but made consistent reference to the numbers Arsenal deployed in defensive areas and how deep they sat in order to grind out a result.
‘I recognised my team, I’m so proud,’ Guardiola said. ‘Arsenal dropped (deep) really well. It was difficult to find (passes) in the tight spaces. The low block was really difficult.
‘Our intention was there. They defended so well in the low block with a lot of people, surrounding Erling (Haaland). Be patient and find the pass.
Pep Guardiola said only one team set out to entertain in Manchester City’s draw with Arsenal
Erling Haaland was kept quiet at the Etihad as City missed out on the Premier League top spot
Guardiola praised Arsenal’s low block and insisted he was proud of his team’s efforts
‘There are different ways to do it. They did well with the press and then after the block. It doesn’t matter how many players you defend with, the main target is not to concede. I only control my team and the rest I don’t know.’
Asked how to break down a stubborn defensive line, Guardiola replied: ‘Kill someone? Play with nine?’
City have earned just four points from games against the top five compared with 16 last season and Guardiola admitted they are relying on favours from elsewhere in the hunt for a fourth consecutive title.
No stranger to frantic run-ins, the Catalan defended his side by suggesting that critics have short memories.
‘You pretend like it was 7-0 every week for the last six years,’ he added.
‘Because we won five in six, you (think we) have to win by being 10 points in front. You can’t because they are really good, Jurgen (Klopp) and Mikel with their teams are exceptional. As a team we’re still there.’
Arteta’s side held out to take an invaluable point but are now two points adrift of Liverpool
City were unable to break through Arsenal’s determined backline, with William Saliba starring
