Pep Guardiola dey keen make e no happen again like last season disaster for Emirates Stadium as him Manchester City men go jam Arsenal for Premier League this Sunday. Last season, City no win any major trophy and finish third after dem lose nine matches, including 5-1 humbling defeat to Arsenal for February.
Martin Odegaard score early second-minute goal, but Erling Haaland equal shortly after half-time. Arsenal still add four goals for last 30 minutes via Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz and Ethan Nwaneri, show statement win and give Guardiola one heavy defeat for his era.
City don already lose two matches at start of new campaign to Tottenham and Brighton before international break, but dem don respond well with wins over rivals Manchester United and Napoli, beat Napoli 2-0 for Champions League Thursday.
Guardiola on Arsenal: “Extraordinary Manager”
Guardiola talk say Arsenal dey improve and no dey make mistakes. Him talk say last 15-20 minutes of 5-1 loss last season na disaster, “We forget to do wetin we suppose do, then Arsenal easy for dem.” Guardiola hope say this season, City fit challenge better against Mikel Arteta, wey him call “extraordinary manager.”
Guardiola praise Arsenal squad: “Dem dey increase squad for four or five transfer windows, unbelievable squad and team. Dem be one of toughest opponents for Europe now.
Step by step, window by window, Arsenal dey improve. Last season for Europe, dem do incredible step forward. Solid team, no mistakes. Dem get pace up front, set pieces with Nico Jover, we sabi dem. We go see how players dey fit and try do better than last season, especially last 20-25 minutes.”
Guardiola Pleased with Man City Vibe
City never win any of last four league games with Arsenal, and Guardiola dey try avoid first unwanted record for him managerial career.
Some people dey see Arsenal as favourites, but Guardiola dey positive and happy with attitude of him players for Emirates preparation.
“I know my team dey consistent because when you win six PLs, you dey like machine. Consistent team must prove more,” Guardiola talk. “Week no easy – after United, Napoli, now Arsenal – but for PL, na so e be. Most important na feeling, vibe of team, body language. Body language don improve, I dey pleased. Win or lose, we dey try, but if team dey good vibe, na wetin you go do.”
League Context
Man City and Arsenal dey compete with reigning champions Liverpool for title this term. Dem currently separated by three points and six places in table: City dey eighth with six points, Arsenal dey second with nine points from four matches.