Pep Guardiola expressed his discomfort with deploying the defensive tactics that failed, as Gabriel Martinelli’s last-minute equalizer secured a 1-1 draw for Arsenal against Manchester City on Sunday.
In an unusual move, Guardiola chose a defensive strategy in the second half at Emirates Stadium to protect Erling Haaland’s early ninth-minute goal.
However, replacing Haaland with a defender and Phil Foden with another forward to form a back five ultimately didn’t work out for City.
Arsenal took control, dominating possession as City retreated, leading to Martinelli breaking free with a perfect run onto Eberechi Eze’s pass, converting past Gianluigi Donnarumma.
City’s possession plummeted to just 32.8 percent, marking the lowest in Guardiola’s Premier League tenure.
“I can’t believe I set another record here,” he quipped. “Credit to Arsenal, especially when defending with five. We’re not designed for that, but sometimes it’s necessary.
“Arsenal were superior, and occasionally that happens. One time in a decade isn’t awful, right? I must re-evaluate my strategies. Now I’m a transition team!”
Guardiola’s shift to tactics reminiscent of his old rival Jose Mourinho signaled his desperation for a win after a shaky start.
Yet, his departure from purist tactics proved futile, leaving City in ninth place, eight points behind leaders Liverpool.
Despite heavy investments in young talent over recent windows, City’s inexperience is evident with only two wins in five league games.
‘I don’t like it’
“It’s been a tough week, coming here against one of Europe’s top teams was demanding,” Guardiola said.
“I prefer our usual play, but with so many matches, defending deep and securing a result is sometimes necessary.
“Honestly, the opponent was better. We had to adapt and we did.”
Guardiola welcomed criticism of his conservative tactic, saying, “I’m open to it. I’m here for that.
“Against Napoli, Italy’s top team, we played differently three days ago.
“I suffer. I don’t like it. But we must acknowledge and improve when opponents excel.”
Despite Martinelli’s equalizer, Guardiola found positives in City’s spirited performance, often missing during last season’s struggles.
“This season, results matter less to me. I want our spirit back. We lost it last season, and need to regain it. We did that this week,” he noted.
Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta avoided critiquing Guardiola’s tactics, respecting the friendship from their time together at City.
“Everyone aims for the best result. That’s fine,” he commented.
“I’m very proud of the players but disappointed with the outcome.
“After City’s goal, having done little before, we dominated and continued in the second half.”
Arteta, with Arsenal five points behind Liverpool, faced criticism for starting Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi in midfield.
“We had many attacking players. No one questioned this midfield in Bilbao,” Arteta remarked about their 2-0 Champions League victory.
“It was the same lineup. I believed it was best for the team. They deserved to start.”
