‘One time in ten years is not bad’ – Pep Guardiola admits defensive approach was because Arsenal were better than Man City | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola admits his decision to go more defensive against Arsenal was because they were better than his Manchester City side.

City went 1-0 up in the game thanks to an Erling Haaland first-half goal and Guardiola opted to try and protect that lead by bringing on Nathan Ake, Nico Gonzalez, and John Stones in the second half.

But they were unable to hold out as Gabriel Martinelli snatched a late point for the Gunners.

On his surprising approach, Guardiola joked: “Okay, one time in ten years is not bad, right?

“I have to prove myself again for the strategy! Now I am a transition coach.

“I would prefer to play another way but when we sometimes play a lot of games during ten years where teams defend deep, deep, deep and take a result, it’s ‘ah fantastic performance, mindset, strategy’.

“Sometimes we have to defend because, honestly, the opponent is better.

“We have to accept it and we have to survive in that way. And we did it.

“I give a lot of credit to Arsenal for what they have done. A lot of credit.”

Guardiola also admitted he was surprised by how long his team were able to hold out defensively, joking: “Oh yeah for sure. That surprised me too!”