Josep Guardiola has great respect for his long-time assistant Mikel Arteta, despite the ongoing Premier League title race between Arsenal and Manchester City (and current leaders Liverpool). Neither says anything about the other in the media.
So it was to be expected that the words would sound the same after Sunday's goalless draw, but the looks on Guardiola's and Arteta's faces betrayed which one felt better about the split at the Etihad Stadium. Arteta couldn't stop smiling at his attitude, while Guardiola looked bitter at best.
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Arteta's Gunners only had 28 per cent possession and were fouled nine times by City, compared to 20 by the hosts. Arteta was asked if his familiarity with Guardiola had helped them achieve such an intense physical relationship, although it hardly looked like Arsenal had any adventurous plans to follow through on their promise of winning. , more or less explained why it was so difficult for Arsenal.
“We've adapted a lot, especially when we don't have the ball,” Arteta said, his smile confirming how well he handled the points. “That's the case with every manager. The problem here is that it's more difficult because you're playing against the best manager in the world.”
Mikel Arteta's reaction — 'huge step' for Arsenal
“You're never happy when you don't win, but I think we took a big step forward. We went in a completely different way (than last season). We were exceptional in some parts of the game. We played in a different way and we could have done better in other areas, especially in terms of goals. We need calmness and patience to play better.
“The dedication of all the players and the discipline in all parts of the defence. We tried to win the ball and won a lot of the ball. We didn't rush and were really patient and defended well. I think the last time we got (a shutout at home) was in 2021. … We need performances like that, especially on the road, to get something out of the game here.”
“It's very difficult because they have so many defensive structures. They move players from different places in the base. You have to maintain your principles. When you don't, you're depressed and you have to be disciplined.”
Pep Guardiola's reaction — Arsenal were physical.Injury updates for Ake, Stones and Walker
If there's a hint of a smile on Josep Guardiola's face, it appears to be just a side effect of a fake smile.
Coach Guardiola said, “We will score points.'' “We didn't make too many things. They didn't make too many things. The defense was very compact. They're really good physically. When Rico came in… , we were on that side. We had one or two chances in transition, but we gave up a goal or two. We are who we are.”
Guardiola felt the game was similar to the 1-0 away to Arsenal earlier this season.
“The last game at the Emirates was pretty similar,” he said. “We tried to create more and it wasn't easy. Good players defend their play. They have a good high press. They're compact. … It's good for them. They're going to be in the Champions League. They can play especially with the keeper. They're good when they decide to play more directly and it's part of the game. is.
Guardiola said the injury that caused Nathan Ake to leave the pitch was not a short-term sideline, and was similar to the injury that caused Kyle Walker to be sidelined. Manchester City manager says John Stones will be “back very soon”.
Walker was injured during England's match against Brazil on 23 March and missed the friendly matches against Belgium and Arsenal on 26 March. Stones was injured in the match between England and Belgium.
