Pep Guardiola gives his honest Arsenal verdict after watching Erling Haaland’s goal for Man City

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Despite his side’s best efforts, Pep Guardiola watched his Manchester City team eventually succumb to Arsenal’s intense pressure at the Emirates Stadium.

Mikel Arteta seemingly recognised that his Arsenal team selection wasn’t right from the off, and his double substitution at half-time did make a difference.

Man City’s goal was under constant threat in north London, and Pep Guardiola’s unprecedented back-line, one stacked with towering centre-backs, was eventually undone.

Speaking after the game, Ian Wright wasn’t impressed with Arteta’s team selection – he felt as if the Gunners were lacking creativity and flair from the off.

But when giving his summary thoughts at full-time, Guardiola still seemed very impressed with the hosts.

Pep Guardiola admits Arsenal were better than Man City despite fair result

Speaking to Sky Sports, Guardiola ultimately seemed content with a point in N5, even if his team had been ahead for the majority of the match through Erling Haaland.

Arsenal didn’t concede too many chances to Haaland and his attacking teammates, but the Norwegian still punished Arteta’s side on the break.

But after calling Arsenal ‘powerful’ and the better team, Guardiola did still think that a stalemate was fair.

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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.”

In terms of xG between the two sides, it was incredibly close – and it should be remembered that Haaland did have a good opportunity to put his side 2-0 ahead, only for David Raya to make a smart save.

Mikel Arteta comments on his Arsenal team selection

Also speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta was asked about his much criticised team selection at full-time.

Gary Neville thought Arteta needed to take more risks with his team – he ultimately felt as if the Spaniard had played it too safe.

And when asked if he now wishes he picked a different starting eleven, Arteta seemed to somewhat suggest that a mistake was made.

Arteta replied: “It’s fine. We changed it, we made the players and the game that we wanted when it was required. Before a different game was required.”

A match that Arsenal will be relieved not to lose, but with Liverpool winning every fixture right now, it may not be long before Arne Slot’s side create quite a commanding lead at the top of the Premier League table.