Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola took to the defense of his side after a barren draw with Arsenal in the Premier League
Manchester City missed out on a chance to go second on the Premier League table as they dropped two valuable points against Arsenal, who are also strongly in the race for the title.
The Premier League and European champions are at the center of the conversation on the Premier League title race, having won five in the last six seasons.
When it appears the Cityzens are slacking, pundits are always quick to throw their weights on the team, elaborating on their chances with every game.
At the Etihad on Sunday, the spoils were shared with Arsenal with City coming under scrutiny for an underwhelming performance in the game but their manager Pep Guardiola has begged to differ from the critics.
According to him, he and the team did the best they could against Arsenal, and the outcome of the game wasn’t a fair result for his side.
Responding to critics, Guardiola said Manchester City are still strongly in the race for the Premier League title, and naysayers should not expect the team to be winning every weekend because they have won five in the past six seasons.
“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.”
The 56-year-old also aimed a subtle dig at Arsenal’s tactics although he lauded what Mikel Arteta has accomplished with the squad.
”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.”
Manchester City dominated proceedings against Arsenal but were unable to navigate through a congested Arsenal defence with a lot of bodies.
Erling Haaland went quiet at the Etihad, struggling to find his feet with William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes bottling the Norwegian sensation.
Meanwhile, Guardiola’s toned-down assessment of his team after the Arsenal draw was a departure from his antics after the final whistle.
We reported earlier the Spaniard was seen in a viral footage, frustratingly scolding Jack Grealish for his subpar delivery in the game.
He remonstrated with apparent fury as he pointed out where the England midfielder failed to get it right on his role.
After the bust-up with Grealish, he went up to Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and had some words with the player as well.
Manchester City are third on the Premier League table after the Arsenal draw with 64 points. They are a point behind Arsenal in second place and three points behind Liverpool at the top.
With nine games left to wrap up the season, the Premier League champions are strongly in the race to defend the title and will hope to return to winning ways when they take on Aston Villa in midweek.
