The fight and spirit is back in this Manchester City team which stood out against Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City defended for their lives in their 1-all draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. While Arsenal dominated possession, Pep Guardiola’s side frustrated Mikel Arteta’s side throughout the match. Unfortunately, Manchester City’s stubborn resistance was undone by a last-minute Gabriel Martinelli strike, which saw Arsenal equalise after Erling Haaland’s 9th-minute goal had given City an early lead. But looking at Manchester City’s performance, it was clear that the fight and spirit that has epitomised Pep Guardiola’s side for so long has returned. That can carry this Manchester City side a long way as the season progresses.

Manchester City fought for their lives against Arsenal.

Sunday’s performance from Pep Guardiola’s side wasn’t a typical City performance. They couldn’t maintain possession, and City’s high press wasn’t effective against Arsenal. But what was on display was the fight and determination of the Manchester City squad. The defensive shape and discipline that make a strong team carried City through yesterday’s match. Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico O’Reilly and Matheus Nunes, when he came on, defended superbly. Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Gianluigi Donnarumma were a brick wall at the back. Rodri was brilliant out of possession. Bernardo Silva was a constant pest to Arsenal throughout the match. Phil Foden, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland tracked back and helped Manchester City hold a strong defensive shape throughout the match.

That defensive solidity allowed City to frustrate Mikel Arteta’s side. When Gabriel Martinelli scored so late on, it did feel like a cruel blow. But the manner of Manchester City’s performance does provide hope for what lies ahead this season.

Ruben Dias and Pep Guardiola were delighted with City’s mentality against Arsenal.

Speaking after Manchester City’s draw with Arsenal, Ruben Dias praised his team for their performance and adaptability. The Portuguese international said it wasn’t a typical City display, but his team did what they needed to do at the Emirates Stadium. Ruben Dias explained: “Every game is different and every team is different. We have the way we play, and everyone knows it so clearly, but sometimes you do it different. Today we answered in a positive way.”

“We ended the game with a good feeling. We were close to getting three points, but we have to look at the week we’ve had, the moment we’re in, and look at the improvements we’ve made.”

“We came and fought for every ball today. We were all connected – even in a game when we had less possession than usual.”

Pep Guardiola echoed the sentiments of Ruben Dias when he spoke after Manchester City’s draw with Arsenal. Guardiola acknowledged that Arsenal were the better team in possession, but playing three tough matches in seven days had caught up to his team. Speaking after the game, Guardiola explained: “We cannot make analysis without talking about what happened this week. We played tough games against United and Napoli. Hats off to the team and the resilience. When you are not effective in the pressing, always it is difficult. I think the result is fair. We made some transitions, but I think Arsenal was better. It’s a better result than last season and better against United last week, so we will take that.”

Manchester City fought their way to a draw against Arsenal on Sunday. They adapted and fought for their lives with a resolute defensive performance. But outside of how City defended, the spirit on display can fuel Pep Guardiola’s side for this season.