Guardiola has opened up on how his City side made him “suffer” in the draw with Arsenal, but defended “parking the bus” by claiming it is the first time in 10 years he has done it to try and secure a vital three points.
However, Gabriel Martinelli levelled in stoppage time and his tactics did not work out in the end as City dropped more points as their title race slowly falls apart. The 54-year-old spoke after the game about the shame of the result and playing in a style that does not suit him whatsoever.
“I cannot live in this country with another record you know that, so I'm so proud of that.
“I give a lot of credit to Arsenal for what they have done. Okay, one time in 10 years is not bad, right? I have to prove myself again (in) another strategy. Now I'm a transition team, you know that.”
He then praised Arsenal, managed by manager Mikel Arteta, who looked happy with a draw once the final whistle blew:
“I give a lot of credit to Arsenal, what they have done. Sometimes you want it, sometimes you can’t. It’s really good, especially when defending with five. It’s not been built (set up) for that, but we have to accept it. When a team in that percentage is better, it’s because they are better.”
City have picked up seven points from five games this season, leaving them ninth in the Premier League table. Meanwhile, league leaders Liverpool maintained their 100% win record with a win against Everton as they forge ahead in their title defence.