Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed his side’s performance after the 0-0 draw against Arsenal during the Premier League on Sunday.
Guardiola said Arsenal’s impressive low block stopped City from finding the net.
“I prefer to win, but [will] take the point. It was a hard game. The team make me so proud,” Pep was quoted as saying by mancity.com.
“We wanted to try, and they allowed us to go to our left side. The side from Odegaard and Saka and after they make incredible pressing.
“When we contact with last line, they drop really well. They defend the low block really well.
“The space was really difficult to find. We cannot press much because they played mainly long balls.
“Rico, Manu, Rodri were unbelievable. The second balls against Arsenal are really important.
“The chances they have in first half, they press really well. In the second half, I couldn’t expect more.
“Arsenal have scored many and conceded few. We didn’t create much, it was almost actions, but they defend really well. We tried.”
Guardiola was also looking forward to the match against Aston Villa on April 4.
“I recognise the intention we had. We take the point and in nine games we see what happens. The only thing we can do is to refresh mind and legs and go into Aston Villa,” Guardiola added.
According to Opta, Arsenal this season are only the fourth team to keep a clean sheet against a side managed by Pep Guardiola in two league matches in the same season, after Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014-15, Manchester United in 2020-21, and Crystal Palace in 2021-22.
The draw meant that Liverpool, who will lock horns with bottom side Sheffield United on Thursday, are on top of the table with 67 points, two points ahead of Arsenal and three ahead of defending champions Manchester City.
The Reds came from a goal down to overpower Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 and top the Premier League table on Sunday.
