Pep Guardiola has expressed concern that the rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal has escalated into a ‘battle’ after their tense 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Tensions rose after the heated Premier League clash, with Arsenal defender Gabriel responding to Erling Haaland throwing a ball at his head by stating, “it’s a war,” adding that provocations are common in football….Continue Reading
Guardiola weighed in on the situation, acknowledging that his team has been pulled into a more intense competition with Arsenal.
The dramatic match ended with a late equalizer from John Stones, while City’s Rodri sustained a season-ending injury, and Arsenal’s Leandro Trossard was sent off.
Haaland avoided punishment for his actions, and after the game, Stones criticized Arsenal’s “dirty” tactics.
Guardiola made it clear that the tension between the two clubs remains unresolved.
He told reporters: “You want a war? Now we war. Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match, so this is a war. We have to provoke the opponent, to push them, and at the end, what can you do? You provoke me, OK, I’m there.”
Guardiola and Mikel Arteta once had a close bond from their time working together at Manchester City, but they now find themselves in a fierce managerial rivalry.
Last season, their teams went head-to-head in the race for the Premier League title, and they are expected to be strong contenders again this year. Their next face-off is set for February 1 at the Emirates.
