'A huge step in the right direction for a side still developing'

A deep-lying low block is rarely associated with Manchester City, but given the confidence Pep Guardiola has in his defence this campaign, he may now have an extra weapon in his armoury.

For almost the whole game at Arsenal, City had executed the gameplan to perfection; defend in a compact set-up, attack swiftly on the break and protect any lead they gain.

When Erling Haaland did exactly that after some fine work from Tijjani Reijnders on the counter-attack, City’s coaching staff deployed their wingers as wide full-backs, and dropped the midfield deeper. Embrace Arsenal’s threat, place the onus on Mikel Arteta’s side to break them down and take the points from north London.

City were resolute, brave and showed immense mental strength to hold their lead. When Gabriel Martinelli equalised with just minutes remaining in injury time, many supporters may have been disappointed but that feeling should turn into pride and confidence after a difficult week.

Fans should acknowledge the run of games City have endured and emerged on the other side of with seven points from a possible nine across all competitions. Remember, Guardiola’s side had returned from the international break off the back of successive defeats, and had to face a Manchester United side in desperate need of points, the reigning Italian champions and Arteta’s improved and bolstered Gunners.

For all the talk of capitulating in the face of adversity, defensive concerns and an inability to threaten on the break, City have proven all these assumptions to be wrong.

Sunday afternoon was a huge step in the right direction for a side still developing and also without a host of key names because of injury.

Find more from Freddie Pye at City Xtra

Source: Sports Yahoo