Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes that a rivalry has now been created between his side and Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in the Premier League.
Comments followed a remarkable affair at the Etihad Stadium as reigning champions Manchester City salvaged a late draw in the contest thanks to substitute John Stones striking home from close range in the eighth minute of additional time.
The game started in gritty fashion, with Manchester City’s Rodri seemingly at the centre of targeted challenges from Arsenal players, while a number of physical one-vs-one battles and football dark arts were put on show by the visitors in particular.
Tensions peaked at the end of the first-half when Leandro Trossard was sent off for kicking the ball away in anger, whilst there were also strong words and shouting matches exchanged after Manchester City’s late equaliser and beyond the full-time whistle.
Speaking to TV broadcasters after Manchester City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, Pep Guardiola was keen to insist on his delight at the overall performance, particular his squad’s start to the game.
“Yeah [I was happy with Manchester City’s start]. After there was an injury and interruptions, and interruptions and we were close and we made a good build-up,” Guardiola explained.
“It’s not easy against them because they are so good, and after we made, I would say, attacking deep, and we conceded a goal with… a little bit of a situation. But to be able to score two goals against Arsenal is not easy.”
Continuing on whether Manchester City’s battles with Arsenal are now rivalling the clashes with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool over the years, Guardiola explained, “We create a good rivalry against Arsenal, it was before with Jurgen [Klopp’s Liverpool], and now it’s there.
“It’s a different way. We started the game how we started, a little bit delayed after two seconds. Many things [happened], they have personality, but we have it too. 99 points left, many things happen, and at the end we equalised because we deserved it.”
Manchester City have little time to reflect on the performance, returning to action in the Carabao Cup third round against Watford on Tuesday night, with the Hornets travelling to the Etihad Stadium for a contest just 49 hours after the conclusion of the 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Newcastle United will be Manchester City’s next opponents in the Premier League, making the trip north to St James’ Park on Saturday lunchtime in their ongoing bid to remain unbeaten in the division this season.
