02 April 2024 , 21:47
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Pep Guardiola has been slammed for his "ridiculous" complaints in the aftermath of Manchester City's draw with Arsenal.
The two sides battled to a less than inspiring 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium at the weekend. The stalemate saw Man City's 57-game scoring run on home soil end.
It was also the first time that the Gunners had avoided defeat at Man City in nearly eight years. Following the game, Guardiola appeared to take exception to the way Mikel Arteta set up his side at the Etihad Stadium.
Those comments did not go down well with former Leeds star John Giles, who has slammed the Man City head coach and claimed Arsenal were within their rights to limit their usually prolific hosts.
“That’s the way it goes. I think Pep was having a little bit of a go afterwards, as a lot of managers do, about not playing open play. But that’s ridiculous,” he said on The Stand with Eamon Murphy.
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“Any manager plays the way he has to play to get a result. And the opposition have to do something about it to get a win or whatever it was. So I hate to hear managers moaning afterwards about well they didn’t come out or they were defending too much. They’re entitled to do that. Any team’s entitled to do that. And you have to break them down. So it’s a lot of nonsense.”
Giles' comments come after Guardiola let his frustration show following the draw with Arsenal. The Spaniard appeared to suggest that the Gunners were simply out to frustrate his side.
Pep Guardiola was not pleased with Arsenal's approach at the Etihad (Getty Images)Who will win the title? Share your predictions in the comments below
Speaking after the full-time whistle, he said: "I recognised my team, I'm so proud. Arsenal dropped (deep) really well. It was difficult to find (passes) in the tight spaces. The low block was really difficult.
“Our intention was there. They defended so well in the low block with a lot of people, surrounding Erling (Haaland). Be patient and find the pass. There are different ways to do it. They did well with the press and then after the block. It doesn't matter how many players you defend with, the main target is not to concede. I only control my team and the rest I don't know.”
The draw between Man City and Arsenal left the Premier League title race on a knife edge with nine games of the season left to go. Liverpool currently occupy top spot with a two-point advantage over the Gunners. Guardiola’s side sit a further place and point behind. There could still be a few more significant twists over the coming weeks.
Arsenal and Man City are back in action on Wednesday evening as they play Luton and Aston Villa respectively at home. Meanwhile, Liverpool travel to relegation-threatened Sheffield United.