'The Premier League has caught up with them'published at 16:21 BST 23 September
16:21 BST 23 September
Image source, Getty Images
Former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart says Pep Guardiola is seemingly intent on pursuing an alternative style to that which the Premier League has become accustomed.
City were pegged back late on in Sunday's trip to Arsenal. So far this season, his side have had 52% of the ball in league games - having enjoyed possession of 60% or over in each of the last eight campaigns.
"It says a lot about how Guardiola wants to build-up and sees games going," said Hart on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club. "Ederson was only a vital player when they absolutely dominated and had 70% of the ball - no matter what.
"They used to see 1-0 as a score line that they could kick on from.
"Nowadays, the Premier League has caught up with them, in terms of the strength of Arsenal and Liverpool. Even the games against Newcastle and Chelsea are going to be tight.
"Guardiola realises that there will be moments now where they have to close the front and back door. Erling Haaland even dropped to play deep after 65 minutes and was defending with his team.
"I think Guardiola is looking at different ways of doing it and bringing in Gianluigi Donnarumma was a statement to say they are not playing with 11 outfield players anymore."
Guardiola on squad rotation, Haaland's fitness and Khusanovpublished at 13:09 BST 23 September
13:09 BST 23 September
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been speaking to the media before Wednesday's Carabao Cup third-round tie at Huddersfield Town (kick-off 19: 45 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
He said there will "absolutely" be squad rotation after "a demanding week" in which City played three games.
The team were on recovery on Monday so Guardiola has not yet seen Erling Haaland, who was taken off with back pain at Arsenal. He added: "I think he will be fine for next weekend - I hope so."
Guardioa says he "respects" the Carabao Cup so "will try to compete and go through", but their "priority" is the Premier League and Champions League".
On the draw with Arsenal: "We have started to recover many things that have defined our team for many years. I cannot care less about the fact we can do better. We will make better decisions. We will do it. But first comes the spirit that we have shown this week."
He likened Abdukodir Khusanov to "Kyle [Walker] in his prime" because "his sight is unbelievable, [he's] solid, stable, [and has] physicality." Guardiola added: "You smell that he's a top signing for the next many, many years in the club."
Kalvin Phillips "is coming back to train" with City after surgery, with Guardiola adding: "He will have to make training sessions and maybe some minutes in some games."
'It will now be interesting to see Guardiola's approach going forward'published at 12:58 BST 23 September
12:58 BST 23 September
Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.
Martin asked: Did Pep Guardiola show on Sunday he is trying to make his team harder to beat than last season? And why has all the talk been about Arsenal and Manchester United even though Manchester City got two good results?
Phil answered: It was certainly a more pragmatic approach, although not sure even Guardiola enjoyed it, especially when Arsenal equalised in stoppage time.
The great managers adapt and I think there were times last season when City were a little too easy to get at, especially with Rodri absent, so Guardiola clearly adopted a more solid defensive approach at Arsenal.
This may also have been shaped by two defeats, one at home to Spurs and then at Brighton. No matter how great managers are - and we are talking about an all-time great here - they are not above reacting to results and situations.
Guardiola was only a couple of minutes away from pulling off a big win. It will now be interesting to see his approach going forward.
'A huge step in the right direction for a side still developing'published at 09:06 BST 23 September
09:06 BST 23 September
Freddie Pye Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
A deep-lying low block is rarely associated with Manchester City, but given the confidence Pep Guardiola has in his defence this campaign, he may now have an extra weapon in his armoury.
For almost the whole game at Arsenal, City had executed the gameplan to perfection; defend in a compact set-up, attack swiftly on the break and protect any lead they gain.
When Erling Haaland did exactly that after some fine work from Tijjani Reijnders on the counter-attack, City's coaching staff deployed their wingers as wide full-backs, and dropped the midfield deeper. Embrace Arsenal's threat, place the onus on Mikel Arteta's side to break them down and take the points from north London.
City were resolute, brave and showed immense mental strength to hold their lead. When Gabriel Martinelli equalised with just minutes remaining in injury time, many supporters may have been disappointed but that feeling should turn into pride and confidence after a difficult week.
Fans should acknowledge the run of games City have endured and emerged on the other side of with seven points from a possible nine across all competitions. Remember, Guardiola's side had returned from the international break off the back of successive defeats, and had to face a Manchester United side in desperate need of points, the reigning Italian champions and Arteta's improved and bolstered Gunners.
For all the talk of capitulating in the face of adversity, defensive concerns and an inability to threaten on the break, City have proven all these assumptions to be wrong.
Sunday afternoon was a huge step in the right direction for a side still developing and also without a host of key names because of injury.
Man City's possession dip this seasonpublished at 14:59 BST 22 September
14:59 BST 22 September
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that his defensive tactics against Arsenal made him "suffer" because that is not the way he likes to play – City had just 32.8% possession yesterday, the lowest they have had under Guardiola, and the lowest he has overseen in his any of his 601 top-flight matches as a manager.
The Spaniard put it down to fatigue and Arsenal's attacking ability but it could also be seen as the early signs of a steadily increasing trend in City's game, coming on the back of a derby win over Manchester United, in which City had just 43.3% of possession.
Only twice in their five league games this season have City topped 60% possession, an average they have surpassed in every season since Guardiola took charge. In two-thirds of those campaigns, the figure has been over 65%.
Last season's, City's average possession was 61.6%, their lowest figure yet under Guardiola. Even so, it was the best figure of any Premier League team, as it has been in every year of the Spaniard's reign. In 2017-18, their average of 71.7% was almost 10% more than any other side.
But in 2025-26, City lie eighth in the possession charts, with a comparatively measly 52.4%.
"We don't want it, but sometimes it happens. Ok, one time in 10 years is not bad, right?" said Guardiola yesterday, but City's grip on dominating games is showing signs of loosening.
What caused 'unique' tactical approach?published at 11:28 BST 22 September
11:28 BST 22 September
Umir Irfan Football tactics correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
After Manchester City went 1-0 up against Arsenal, they took a defensive approach unlike one Pep Guardiola has opted for previously.
They sat deep and blocked the centre of the pitch, making it difficult for Arsenal to find striker Viktor Gyokeres or attacking midfielders between the lines. Guardiola has typically asked his team to defend in a 4-4-2 and did to begin with, but City moved into a 5-4-1 or 5-5-0 as the game progressed.
So why did he opt for this approach?
This was the third game in seven days for an unchanged City side who were fatigued, according to Guardiola. Most teams would struggle to stifle Arsenal's excellent build-up play, but with City tiring, defending deep prevented them from being exposed trying to press Arsenal.
It was not just about stopping the build-up, but preventing Arsenal from creating chances.
Arteta's men eventually got their equaliser but it was telling the goal came from a direct ball over a City defence that had stepped up, rather than when the visitors sat deep.
Arsenal dominated the ball, but the 68% possession they had amounted to 0.61 expected goals in the second half.
City aimed to nullify Arsenal's dangerous central quality by putting numerous bodies in the middle of the pitch. They also aimed to shut down runners by reducing the space they had in behind by being close to their own goal.
It is unlikely City will play that deep consistently going forward, but it was interesting to see such an attacking manager like Guardiola deploy a shape without a recognised striker, given his previous quotes about the formation.
"In prehistoric times, now and in 100,000 years, it is always very difficult to attack a 5-5 formation," were his words when facing a similar tactical gameplan deployed by Atletico Madrid in 2022.
Ultimately it was a combination of acknowledging City's fatigue and strong counter-attackers, while wanting to minimise Arsenal's quality - particularly the home side's directness, build-up and central attackers - that help explain the unique approach.
We had a lot of fatigue - Guardiolapublished at 09:45 BST 22 September
09:45 BST 22 September
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Media caption,
For 92 minutes of the contest at the Emirates, it was all going to plan for Manchester City - Arsenal were failing to fire and the visitors were on their way to a vital victory.
Despite the arduous scheduling of recent games, Pep Guardiola decided to name the same starting XI for a third consecutive game - only the third time he has done this during his nine years at the club.
Having taken a ninth-minute lead through the imperious Erling Haaland and seeing out the opening 45 minutes pretty comfortably, Guardiola decided to shut up shop in the second half, possibly with tiredness in mind.
City had comfortably dispatched rivals Manchester United last Sunday, but were made to work hard for victory against 10-man Napoli in their Champions League opener on Thursday. Despite their efforts at Arsenal, they fell agonisingly short of three straight wins in a week.
Guardiola switched to a 5-5-0 formation in the 76th minute following the eyebrow-raising decision to haul off Haaland and send on defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez - a tactical manoeuvre which could have come right out of the Jose Mourinho playbook.
The attempt to do whatever was needed to try to get the win was highlighted by the fact City ended with only 32.8% possession, the lowest figure recorded by any Guardiola side in his 601st league game as manager.
"We don't try to be like this but when the opponent is better we defend deeper and counter-attack - but that's not our intention," he said.
"I would prefer not to do it, but you have to at this level. I take a point and in some games we have to adjust."
But Guardiola admitted two tough games, with just two days rest in between, had taken a toll on his players.
"We were incredibly tired," he added. "The game against Napoli was so emotional and after that recovery day we have four or five hours to travel to London. Arsenal fought in the last two Premier League title races and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League so it's so difficult.
"We had a lot of fatigue with many players. We also have a lot of injuries."
The head coach told BBC Radio 5 Live he was "disappointed" by the result, but was "proud" of his players for improving on last season's performance when they were thumped 5-1 by Mikel Arteta's men in the corresponding fixture.
Naeem: Parallels to last years game just opposite teams. City parked the bus and we struggled to break them down. Got through in the end thanks to a super Martinelli finish and it is good to see him scoring after all the critique. Despite this, still not a great display. Need to find a way to get Viktor Gyokeres involved more so he can use that strength to help stride through. Can't be satisfied with a point apiece - we need to be gunning for three points every game.
Chris: Arsenal second again in the Premier League unless Mikel releases the handbrake, particularly at home. Be braver please - you've got the squad for it this season.
Paul: We never gave up and that's what champions do. The team is still finding its feet with all the new signings. Our strong bench is going to be crucial to any title run!
Phoenix: How Mikel Arteta keep doing same thing every time and expect a different results is messing with my imagination. Manchester City was there for the taking. All we had to do was use our best attacking team that doesn't include Mikel Merino in the middle. We keep saying the gaffer knows what he's doing but honestly we have to start questioning his selection. Liverpool are the winners. In just five games, we have started the chasing game .
Man City fans
Russell: First half good, second half terrible. Lucky to come away with a point!
Stella: Despite playing very defensively, this game gave me some optimism. It is the first time City's defence looked relatively solid. People forget that this new team is a work in progress and Nico O'Reilly particularly did very well in an unnatural position. He and Abdukodir Khusanov looked like stable full-backs against some very good players. Arsenal also had two extra days to rest and prepare, which certainly showed as the latter stages of the game were reached with City's players looking close to exhaustion. It was a game we couldn't lose. A tiny green shoot of recovery?
David: City got a very good breakaway goal but they really should have pressed for a second. It was most unlike them to play a very low block like they were scared. They won't win anything unless their better players can express themselves.
Shaun: Pep the bus! Absolute joke, that's not what City are about. Liverpool have got the title in the bag and we will be lucky to get fourth.
Analysis: Guardiola falls just short in attempt to shut up shoppublished at 20:13 BST 21 September
20:13 BST 21 September
Shamoon Hafez Manchester City reporter
Image source, Getty Images
In Erling Haaland, Manchester City have a world-class striker who is in incredible form - and it looked like his effort was going to settle the game before Gabriel Martinelli's late intervention.
The 25-year-old leads the league's scoring charts with six goals in five matches, having also netted in the Champions League on Thursday and notched a further six for Norway during the recent internationals.
City's opening goal on the counter-attack displayed a ruthlessness that will be required by Guardiola's side this season, but dropping two points leaves them eight behind leaders Liverpool already.
The champions sit top and have won all five of their games so far, so it was imperative City - who have already lost twice - did not drop any points and lose further ground early on in the campaign, but they could not finish the job at Emirates Stadium.
Haaland started and finished the move for their goal - winning the ball in his own half before exchanging passes with the galloping Tijjani Reijnders and finishing low past the reach of David Raya.
City pressed Arsenal high up the pitch in the first half and forced mistakes, with Reijnders almost doubling the advantage but seeing a low drive batted away by Raya.
Pep Guardiola was happy to sit back and try to see out the match in the second half, switching to a 5-5-0 formation by bringing on an extra defender in Nathan Ake and replacing Haaland with holding midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
However, with time running out, substitute Martinelli's delightful finish salvaged a draw which will leave neither City nor the Gunners satisfied, as an ominous-looking Liverpool side are five points clear after as many games.
Arsenal 1-1 Man City: What Guardiola and Reijnders saidpublished at 19:19 BST 21 September
19:19 BST 21 September
Media caption,
Watch Guardiola's chat with BBC Match of the Day here
Pep Guardiola spoke to BBC Radio 5 Live after Manchester City's draw against Arsenal: "Disappointed with the result, yes, but last season we equalised in the last moment at the Etihad and they equalise here. It's football. It's 97 or 98 minutes.
"We were incredibly strong. It has been a really tough week for us with tough opponents and then Thursday to Sunday and travel to London, it is demanding. And the opponent is really good, so the result is fair."
On naming an unchanged side: "Because I wake up in the morning yesterday and said these guys are gonna play. I surprise myself sometimes. I'm getting old my friend."
On if City were stronger today than v Brighton: "I want the team to do better and I am here to enjoy my team. Today I am so proud of how they played. There are games and opponents where you have to do the body language, the spirit and being all together, that is unbelievable."
On Haaland's goal: "When it is transition we like to do the transitions, we can use it. It is not the way we like to do but sometimes the opponent is good and you have to accept that."
On how he feels the team is doing five games in: "Still trying to grow. Many new players, including an important position with the keeper. Many players are injured. This is a young, young team, the youngest team we have had and will be for the future. Step by step we see what happens. It is a long journey, so we take it game by game."
Tijjani Reijnders also spoke to BBC Match of the Day after Sunday's match: "Unfortunately, we conceded a late equaliser - it was a tough game. We had some possibilities to lead 2-0 but conceding late makes us unhappy.
"If you are 1-0 up you want the three points but everyone knows playing here at Arsenal it's difficult. We have to keep working."
On providing the assist: "First I was looking for Doku but he would need to beat a player and Erling was free."
Manchester City recorded their lowest ever possession average by a Pep Guardiola team in a top-flight league match (today his 601st), while the two lowest have both been in games away to Arsenal in the Premier League (32.8% today, 36.5% in March 2023).
Manchester City have won just seven points from their opening five Premier League matches (W2 D1 L2), their worst return after five league games of a campaign since 2006-07 under Stuart Pearce (4).
Arsenal v Man City: Team news published at 15:54 BST 21 September
15:54 BST 21 September
Mikel Arteta names Leandro Trossard in his starting XI after his goal and assist in the midweek win over Athletic Bilbao. William Saliba comes into the starting XI after an ankle problem and Bukayo Saka is back on the bench after a hamstring injury.
Arsenal starting XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Merino, Trossard, Madueke, Gyokeres
Subs: Arrizabalaga, Martinelli, Eze, Mosquera, White, Norgaard, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly, Saka
Pep Guardiola names an unchanged side from the one that beat Napoli in the Champions League in midweek. City are looking for their first win against Arsenal in five matches.
Manchester City starting XI: Donnarumma, Khusanov, Dias, Gvardiol,O'Reilly, Rodri, Reijnders, Silva, Foden, Doku, Haaland
Subs: Trafford, Ake, Stones, Gonzalez, Savinho, Nunes, Bobb, Mukasa, Lewis
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Sunderland v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Arsenal v Man City", for instance.
Arsenal v Man City: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 12:58 BST 20 September
12:58 BST 20 September
Two title hopefuls meet at Emirates Stadium as Arsenal look to continue their recent excellent record against rivals Manchester City. BBC Sport takes a look at the key talking points going into Sunday's game.
After a run of just two wins in 22 Premier League matches against City, the Gunners have mastered how to rattle Pep Guardiola's side of late, with two wins at the Emirates and two away draws in their past four encounters.
After thrashing them 5-1 in February, Arsenal now have the chance to secure back-to-back top-flight wins over City for the first time since December 2015.
The Gunners continued their strong start to the season with a hard-fought Champions League win at Athletic Club on Tuesday. To highlight their increased squad strength, five of their eight new summer signings started, while the two goals came from substitutes of the calibre of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Joining them on the bench in Bilbao were the likes of William Saliba, Christian Norgaard, Miles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri. "The 'finishers' are going to be more important this season sometimes than the starters," Arteta says of the impact he hopes his substitutes will have. "We can change the game there, especially with the intensity that we play and teams start to drop off."
An enlarged squad naturally gives Arteta a headache of who to select and one of the key areas he will be keen to address is a perceived lack of creativity in big games. This was again exposed in their 1-0 defeat at Liverpool last month, during which they mustered just one shot on target.
Manchester City came through their reunion with Kevin de Bruyne and his Napoli side unscathed.
The next challenge for Guardiola is to rectify their poor form against Arsenal.
He has never gone five games without a top-flight league win against an opponent, while his protegee Arteta could also become the first manager to go five league matches unbeaten against Guardiola.
Another thing that needs addressing is City's form post European fixtures.
They have lost five of their past seven matches that have immediately followed a midweek Champions League match, including their 5-1 hammering at the Emirates last season.
Their previous five such defeats came over a period of 46 games across five years.
The Gunners, who played on Tuesday, have also had two days extra rest on City.
With four goals in six Premier League appearances against Arsenal, City will again look towards talisman Erling Haaland for inspiration, especially given how well he has begun the season for club and country.
"Erling has been incredible since the start, but this season he is better than ever," Guardiola said last week. "I would say better than the Treble year [2022-23]."
Against Napoli, he scored his 50th goal on his 49th Champions League appearance, reaching the milestone in at least 13 appearances fewer than any other player in the competition's history.
Image source, Getty Images
