Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hugs Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola before the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at the Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England . (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Pep Guardiola has admitted he “might have done the same” as Mikel Arteta tactically if his team had found themselves in the same position as Arsenal on Sunday.
The top two in the Premier League for the past two seasons played out a 2-2 draw in a stunning encounter at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Arsenal canceled out an early goal from Erling Haaland to take a 2-1 lead at half-time with strikes from Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhães.
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However, disaster struck when Leandro Trossard was controversially shown a second yellow card shortly before half-time for kicking the ball away after the referee’s whistle, just weeks after Declan Rice was sent off in a similar incident.
Predictably, City used their one-man advantage to pile on the pressure and outscored Arsenal 28-1 with 88% possession and 390 passes completed to 31 in the second half.
Arsenal players drew the ire of the Manchester City crowd, players and staff alike, regularly coming down with alleged cramps and injuries in an attempt to run down the clock and disrupt play.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta instructed his team to sit in a deep block, playing a six-man defense at times with the remaining three outfield players positioned just up front.
Arteta’s plan almost worked until John Stones headed home a rebound from a blocked Mateo Kovacic shot eight minutes into second-half stoppage time, breaking Arsenal hearts.
Guardiola admits he may have used the same tactics as Arsenal
As frustrating as Arsenal’s game plan was for City, Guardiola admitted he could have opted for the same tactical approach, although he credited his players for being patient.
“The most important thing in the second half is that we didn’t receive any fouls. Because they wanted to stop the game, stop the game. I don’t know how many went down with cramps because it was such a demanding game. But we have not conceded fouls or fouls with deliberate action,” said Guardiola Sky Sports after the match
“It was difficult because you can create and cross into the area, but they have Calafiori, Ben White, Saliba, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Gabriel, it was difficult. There were ten players.
“But we had a lot of patience, right, left, right, left to find the shots and actions. Raya made some incredible saves, but we got what we deserved.
“Maybe he would have done the same (as Arsenal did in the second half). You have to ask Mikel what the tactic is. But it was a long ball from Raya to Havertz that showed incredible strength, the second balls go very well in front and behind”.
Top photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
