Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has praised his side’s resilience and defended his approach to the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Sunday.
The Cityzens looked to have the game in control after Erling Haaland put the visitors ahead in the first half, before Gabriel Martinelli netted in stoppage time to rescue a point for the hosts.
Speaking after the game, Guardiola said: “We played tough games this week – Manchester United and in the Champions League – and today we played against a powerful team.
“Hats off to our team for the resilience. It’s so difficult when you’re not effective with high pressing, it’s always tough in the build-up.
“We made some transitions. I think the result is fair. In general Arsenal were better.
“Since the transfer window finished the togetherness has been top.
“It was so demanding today and Arsenal have everything – we defended the corners so well. We’ll take the point, we have to improve but it is what it is.
“We were incredibly tired. 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.”
When quizzed on the decision to shift to a five-at-the-back, Guardiola defended his choices.
He added: “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.
“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.”
