Guardiola unhappy with defensive approach as Arsenal secure draw against Man City
Pep Guardiola admitted he disliked directing Manchester City to adopt the defensive methods that went wrong, after Gabriel Martinellis late equaliser rescued a 1-1 result for Arsenal on Sunday.
Guardiola chose a more reserved strategy during the second half at the Emirates Stadium, aiming to hold their lead following Erling Haalands early goal in the ninth minute.
However, the City bosses choice to remove Norwegian forward Haaland and English attacker Phil Foden, shifting to a five-man defence, did not work out.
Arsenal controlled possession with City positioned so far back, and Martinelli timed his run perfectly to beat the offside flag on Eberechi Ezes pass, then lifted a calm shot over Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Notably, City managed only 32.8 percent of the ball, the lowest possession any Guardiola side has achieved in a Premier League game.
"I cannot believe I set another record here," he quipped. "I must praise Arsenal, particularly when we defended with five at the back. We are not designed for it, yet at times we must adapt.
"Arsenal performed better, so these things occur. Once in a decade is acceptable, is it not? I need to demonstrate my tactics once more. Now we rely on transitions!"
Turning to strategies more typical of his former competitor Jose Mourinho highlighted Guardiolas urgency to secure what could have been a vital win amid a challenging season opening.
Instead, the Spanish coaches readiness to abandon his attacking ideals came to nothing, leaving City in ninth position, already eight points adrift of top side Liverpool.
Still developing after Guardiolas significant investments in young talent over the past two transfer periods, Citys lack of experience has appeared in their modest record of two victories from five league outings.
I do not enjoy it
"Challenging week, facing them here was tough, particularly against one of Europes top sides. It proved hard to execute our preferred style," Guardiola remarked.
"I would rather approach it differently, but with so many fixtures, defending deeper can yield points.
"In truth, it stemmed from the opponents superiority. We had to endure that way, and we managed it."
Determined to face the backlash over his cautious tactics, Guardiola continued: "I welcome the feedback. That is why I am in this role.
"Just three days back, versus Italys finest, we adopted a distinct plan against Napoli.
"It troubles me. I dislike it. Yet if the opposition excels, we must acknowledge it and enhance our game."
Even with the setback from Martinellis leveller, Guardiola found positivity in Citys determined showing, often absent during their difficult campaign last year.
"This term, results do not concern me. I seek the return of our mindset. We misplaced it previously and must reclaim it. We achieved that this week," he noted.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta avoided commenting on Guardiolas methods, likely due to respect for the coach he views as a mentor from his time as a City assistant.
"Everyone aims to optimise for a win. That is acceptable," he stated.
"I am immensely proud of the squad and deeply frustrated by the outcome.
"Once City netted, having done little prior, we took control, and the second period built on that dominance."
Arteta, with his squad trailing Liverpool by five points in second, faced some scrutiny for selecting Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi in central midfield once again.
"In my view, we fielded plenty of offensive options there. No one questioned the central trio during our Bilbao match," Arteta referenced the Gunners 2-0 Champions League success in the Basque region midweek.
"It mirrored the previous setup. I considered it optimal for the side. They were the right starters."