Pep Guardiola has congratulated Arsenal on their 1-nil win over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. The game was a tense and tight affair with the Gunners getting a winner late on. A deflected Gabriel Martinelli strike was all that separated the two sides in a tense encounter.
Speaking post game the City manager congratulated Arsenal. He said: “It was a tight game. Congratulations to Arsenal for the victory. We started really well in the first minutes, they started really well in the second half. With Martinelli, they increased the rhythm. We didn’t create much, they didn’t create much. We defended really well, both teams. At the end one deflection was the difference.”
Pep Guardiola was optimistic that his team would rebound quickly from the defeat. He also reminded the media that it is still early in the season saying: “We are behind but it is October. Last season it happened but the season is long. We have people coming back and we will try to beat upcoming opponents like Brighton and United. We will continue.”
The treble winners will now head into the international break after two consecutive Premier League defeats. It is rare territory for Pep Guardiola’s side such has been their dominance of English football in recent years.
As Guardiola alluded to City is set to regain players following the international break. Midfield lynchpin Rodri will return to the lineup as he has now served his three-game suspension. John Stones also returned off the bench against Arsenal and his return will be a welcome boost to the City squad.
Following the international break City resume with a visit from Brighton at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola will be hoping his squad return fit and hungry after international duties are complete.
