Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted he got his game plan wrong in the 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal earlier this month.Gabriel Martinelli’s late strike at the Emirates Stadium handed the Gunners all three points. However , it give them a slight advantage over City. The win ended Arsenal’s run of 12 straight defeats to the Citizens. Also, it kept their unbeaten start to their league campaign alive.Guardiola’s side were far from their best in north London.
In Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri’s absence, Erling Haaland ended the contest with an expected goals figure of zero.City have responded to the defeat with two wins to go level on points with Mikel Arteta’s men. On Sunday, the treble-winners triumphed over Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. They moved within two points of league leaders Tottenham.Erling Haaland’s brace and a Phil Foden tap-in made it a successful afternoon for Man City.
Pep Guardiola has admitted his mistake:
Speaking after the game, Pep Guardiola has admitted his mistake on his side’s reaction to losing to Arsenal by Sky Sports. He said:
“Arsenal won because they are a fantastic team. I would say my strategy was not good.”We played in a different way because I thought the space would be in different positions and after that, I said it was not good but it happened. The players know the Premier League is tough. Brighton was important to break that defeat and after the way we played against Young Boys helped us a lot. “
City’s emphatic win over United has earned them further backing to win the league in May. Jamie Carragher credited Guardiola’s men for their statement performance at Old Trafford. Asked if they are title favourites, he said:
“Yes, of course. I don’t think there is any debate about that.”I think the thing with City is they are a little bit like when I would come against Gary (Neville) and Roy (Keane). Where even if Manchester United were not top at this stage, it was almost like they are getting ready for the second half of the season in some ways.
“Today was a big game and they put on a show to let everybody know how good they are and that they are still the team to beat. I think they will win the league comfortably, I really do.”I don’t think Liverpool are quite ready to mount a serious challenge. Arsenal obviously did that last season, and they have made a great start. However, I don’t see them playing as well as they were at this stage last season. Hopefully, City will win it.”
Follow us on Twitter to get regular updates.
