Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola analysed his team’s defeat against Arsenal, saying it was a tight game and the margins were close.
The Cityzens suffered their first league defeat to Arsenal since 2015, ending a run of 12 successful league games against the North London side.
Second-half substitute Gabriel Martinelli was the difference maker, scoring a late goal to win the game for Mikel Arteta’s side.
What Guardiola said
Martinelli’s strike for the goal came off Nathan Ake’s face, deflecting the shot away from the reach of Ederson.
Pep thinks the game was tight, with neither team giving much away, and that a moment of luck changed the game for Arsenal.
“One deflection, We had 10–15 really good moments in the first half, they started the second half well. It was a tight game. Not many chances, one deflection,” he said, per the BBC.
“It was a tight game. We defended really well; the players gave everything. It is football; we lost the game. We will come back stronger.
Manchester City have lost all three games played since the suspension of Spanish midfielder Rodri, and Pep was unavoidably asked about his absence.
“Rodri is an important player but he is not there for the reason everyone knows and we have to move forward. Every game is completely different.”
“I know these players for many years and what we have done together. It is honour and privilege to see them running and fighting.”
