Pep Guardiola don set one new but unusual record as Manchester City play 1-1 with Arsenal for Emirates. Na Erling Haaland wey score first-half goal give City hope, but Gabriel Martinelli spoil the party with last-gasp equaliser for 93rd minute.
For Guardiola 601st league game as head coach, City na dem wey no hold ball like before. Dem finish with just 32.8% possession – the lowest stat wey Guardiola ever record for him top-flight coaching career. Before now, the lowest na 36.5% against Arsenal back in March 2023.
City Strategy Change and Defensive Shape
City no dey look as dominant like before, but their counter-attack plan nearly work. Even though fans dey used to their possession football, Guardiola boys focus on discipline and defensive shape.
Na small consolation say dem fit limit Arsenal chances even as defensive wahala still dey follow City this season.
Still, Guardiola get work to do. City don already fall eight points behind Liverpool after just five matches. With many games still dey, consistency go determine whether dem fit chase the Reds.
Arsenal Defensive Strong, Attack Still Dull
Arsenal on their side still dey show why dem be one of the best defensive teams for Europe. Dem don only concede two goals in six games.
But for attack, e still be struggle – against City dem only manage 0.57 expected goals (xG) from open play. Same wahala show against United and Liverpool earlier this season.
Liverpool Dey Enjoy Top Spot
Liverpool dey laugh as City and Arsenal dey drag themselves. Arne Slot men don win all five opening matches, the only team wey still get 100% record. Even though their defence still dey leak – like against Bournemouth, Newcastle and Everton – dem attack dey too sharp with stars like Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz still dey settle into the squad.
If Liverpool fit balance backline, dem go dey serious threat to carry another title. For now, na dem dey set pace and others dey chase.
TPB Final Yarn
Guardiola fit no like this new record wey Arsenal force am collect, but e show say even master coaches dey sometimes change style just to survive. As Liverpool dey cruise, Arsenal dey grind, and City dey adjust, the Premier League title race go hot like Lagos traffic. Na only consistency go separate who go hold the crown come May.
