It's over for Pep Guardiola! Manchester City conceded a draw against Arsenal (1-1) on the 5th day of the Premier League, but the meeting above all highlighted an incredible statistical data. For the first time in his coach career, the 'Spanish saw his team are content with a possession of less than a third on the whole match.
Never in 17 years of profession, whether at Barça, Bayern or with City, the Catalan technician had known such a situation. The Citizens finished with only 32.8 % possession, a figure which radically contrasts with the philosophy which made the reputation of Guardiola. At the Emirates Stadium, his players left the ball to the opponent and suffered the game, focusing on defensive solidity and fast counters.
Man City Puni
The plan has almost paid off. From the 9th minute, Erling Haaland opened the scoring after high recovery, allowing Sky Blues to manage the pace and close the spaces to the Londoners. For long minutes, Arsenal stopped on the low block and the tactical discipline of visitors, unable to transform their domination into a concrete advantage.
But in stoppages, the strategy ended up cracking. Gabriel Martinelli, launched in depth, signed a perfect lob to equalize and offer a deserved point to the Gunners. A punishment for City, who thought he was holding a precious victory outside thanks to his defensive discipline.
