Pep Guardiola has brushed off Manchester City’s loss to Arsenal in the Premier League after journalists asked if it would derail his plans for the season.
The three-peat champions of the English top flight were humbled by Arsenal, who had not beaten them in 13 leagues games, on matchday eight of the 2023/24 season. Arsenal played hosts this time around and were headed for a goalless draw until Gabriel Martinelli put the ball in the back of the net after receiving a pass from Kai Havertz.
The win saw City drop into third place in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal moving into first and second place on the log. The Gunners, on the other hand, maintained their unbeaten start to the league and fans have begun to drum up comparisons to the invincibles team of the 2003/04 season.
Pep Guardiola is the undisputed best manager in the league and many expected him to defend his title once again. The season has started well but by not by his standards. Two losses in nine games is uncharacteristic of Pep Guardiola’s team and questions were asked about his campaign.
The former Barcelona manager began by thanking his players before stating that losses were part of the game. He wrapped up with a claim that the defeat was not the end of road for the club this season.
“I have gratitude for the guys, they gave everything,” he said. “I know how disappointed they are because they are not used to it.
“It is football, it happens. We do not have to win the Premier League. No team ever has won four Premier League in a row.
“We are behind but it is October. Last season it happened but the season is long.
“We have people coming back and we will try to beat upcoming opponents like Brighton and United. We will continue.”
“It was a tight game,” Guardiola then added. “Congratulations to Arsenal for the victory.
“We started really well in the first minutes, they started really well in the second half. With Martinelli they increased the rhythm.
“We didn’t create much, they didn’t create much. We defended really well, both teams. At the end one deflection was the difference.”
The manager also praised Arsenal’s defending in the game which saw them shut out for the first time this season and ultimately lose two consecutive Premier League games for the first time since 2018.
