Pep Guardiola criticized Manchester City for capitulating in the final stages of their 5-1 loss to title-contending Arsenal on Sunday.
Arsenal dominated Pep Guardiola’s team in another terrible match outcome throughout their terrible season during Sunday’s game at Emirates Stadium.
The game saw City regain momentum through Erling Haaland’s second-half equaliser which nullified Martin Odegaard’s rapid 103-second opener.
The struggling champions gave momentum back to Arsenal when Thomas Partey intercepted Phil Foden’s poor pass and his shot deflected off John Stones into the net.
The visitors’ defence broke down completely when Myles Lewis-Skelly combined with Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri to show their vulnerabilities.
The team’s performance represented an extraordinary collapse that stood out even when compared to fourth-placed City’s history of self-created problems this season.
Throughout the chastening afternoon Guardiola appeared agitated while accepting that his players alone were responsible for their deficiencies.
He acknowledged that throughout this season they repeatedly conceded too many opportunities despite understanding that this cannot continue.
After scoring their second goal opponents once again took control of the game. Players must maintain control of the game because losing control is not an option.
Our performance was not sufficient to secure a win. The team could have scored three additional goals but stability must remain a priority. It doesn’t matter what happened before.”
John Stones’ suicidal pass to Manuel Akanji along with Foden’s ill-timed error were major factors in Arsenal’s opener.
The City team displayed a performance defined by an ineffective attack and a midfield without energy complemented by serious defensive issues.
“We did 60 minutes really good. The team needs to keep fulfilling our strategic requirements. You have to avoid thinking ‘now I will solve it’,” Guardiola explained.
“We gave away the first goal. When you commit to saying ‘we must do this offensively or defensively’ you need to follow through with it. “The last 20 minutes we fell down. I plan to speak with the players to prevent a repeat of this issue. Always you have to be serious.”
Guardiola finds himself increasingly unable to address City’s problems with a Champions League playoff against Real Madrid and league matches against Newcastle and Liverpool approaching.
Guardiola admitted he lacks defensive strategies to protect his players and himself.
We should learn this lesson for our future plans. Fragility is possible yet you must fulfill your responsibilities. It’s a lesson for me.”
Arsenal finished second to City in the Premier League for two straight seasons leading to more tense encounters with their rivals. During their intense 2-2 draw earlier this season Haaland advised Mikel Arteta to “stay humble” and tossed a ball toward Gabriel Magalhaes.
Gabriel marked Odegaard’s opening goal on Sunday by celebrating in front of Haaland who received mockery from Lewis-Skelly for emulating the Norway striker’s meditating crossed-legs celebration.
After hearing about the Arsenal jibes Guardiola paused dramatically before responding with “that’s good” and exiting the press conference.
The September clash led to a strained relationship between Arteta and Guardiola.
But Arteta appeared unimpressed by his players’ antics, saying: “I haven’t seen it. I have no information to share about that topic.
“The players know my views on that. We have to focus on us.” Arteta put aside the controversy to celebrate his team’s statement victory.
Arsenal moved back into striking distance of Premier League leaders Liverpool as they remained six points behind while indicating their intent to challenge Arne Slot’s team which holds one additional match.
Arteta expressed that his satisfaction at the end was probably higher than normal.
This is a fantastic day because of our victory, our performance, and notably against such a strong team when we needed this win.
“What I like is the attitude. The team generated extraordinary energy throughout this stadium. The players understand that we have the ability to compete against any team when we play at our highest level.