Pep Guardiola expressed his frustration with Arsenal's time-wasting tactics during Manchester City’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, suggesting that the Gunners used every trick in the book to hold onto their lead before City salvaged a last-second equaliser.
Reflecting on the match, Guardiola pointed out how often Arsenal players seemed to go down with cramps during the high-stakes encounter. "I don't know how many [Arsenal] players went down with cramp, but that can of course happen in a demanding game," Guardiola told Sky Sports. His words hinted at a belief that Arsenal's approach may have been more strategic than purely physical.
The City manager also remarked on the difficulties his team faced breaking down Arsenal’s defence, particularly during the latter stages when Arsenal was down to ten men. "We crossed and crossed and had Ruben [Dias], Manuel [Akanji], Erling [Haaland], but when you cross they have Declan Rice, William Saliba, Gabriel, Riccardo Calafiori, so it is so difficult. There were ten players there. In the end, we got what we deserved," Guardiola said, acknowledging Arsenal's resilient defensive setup.
Guardiola didn’t shy away from addressing Arsenal’s time-wasting directly, although he conceded that he might have done the same in Mikel Arteta’s position. "Maybe I would have done the same because it is with ten men. You have to ask Mikel [Arteta] what the tactic was," Guardiola commented, implying that Arsenal’s delays were part of a broader strategy to disrupt City’s rhythm.
"They were good with the long balls into Kai Havertz, who is so strong, and they go for the second balls. In the end we were patient, had the chances, and got the goal. That's all."
Despite the frustration, City managed to scrape a draw thanks to a last-gasp goal from John Stones, ensuring they remain top of the Premier League. The physical and tactical battle highlighted just how fierce the competition has become between these two title contenders, leaving Guardiola with mixed emotions as he looked ahead to City’s upcoming challenges, particularly with concerns over the fitness of key player Rodri.
"I don't know how he is. I did not speak with the doctors," he added, leaving a note of uncertainty hanging over the team's future prospects.
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