Mica Richards felt that Pep Guardiola’s approach in the face of Arsenal had more in common with Jose Mourinho or Sam Aladdis’s practical styling than the usual Catalonian practice.
The Manchester City boss was scrutinized for choosing the same starting lineup as the two previous games against Manchester United last Sunday and Napoli in the Champions League on Thursday evening.
City started the game well, with both Erling Haaland beginning and then proceeding just nine minutes later at the end of a quick counterattack that ended.
However, Guardiola felt the results were overall correct after Gabriel Martinelli lobed from the equalizer in the 92nd minute.
The goal came from the city’s defensive course, as the backline played too high. Ebeki Eze was able to go one-on-one with Martinelli tied up Gianluigi Donnaruma.
But up until that point, Guardiola’s side had spent digging into the second half, opposing the poor toothless weapon attack.
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Speaking about Sky Sports after the game, Richards said, “It’s a different type of city, and the ownership statistics (67% courtesy of Arsenal) tells you that. As for today’s game, when Arsenal starts the season, you’re hoping Man City will take over the ball.
“The second half (PEP) changed that and went 5-4-1 and went for transition-based football, which I’m not used to watching alongside Man City.
“But I understand what he means in terms of being a better team today. (Arsenal) ruled the ball. They couldn’t do what they needed in the final third, and (PEP) adapted.
“How many times have we been here on Saturday or Sunday, and did the manager say we need to adapt?
“It’s not Pep’s style of play. It’s Mourinho style play or Alladies style play. But it’s as effective as we saw it. It was just a moment of unfocusedness.
“But in terms of schedule, there are players on the bench where Man City could play today, and they went (against Manchester United and Napoli) at the same time as them.
“It’s obviously because they were doing well. They did really well in the Derby. Against Napoli, they had to sit on the low block and try it out, so it was a tiring game.
“Arsenal had so much energy for them today that he’s adapted to the game today.”
