Guardiola praises players after ‘important victory’ over Arsenal

James Holland
Guardiola

Man City boss Pep Guardiola has praised his side for their ‘important victory’ after they beat Arsenal 1-0 at the Etihad.

England forward Raheem Sterling was the match-winner as Arsenal failed to equalise, despite pressure in the second half.

The victory sees City move into the top ten after having played four matches so far this campaign. It means Arsenal have failed to win in their last 29 visits to their top six rivals in the league.


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Speaking after the match, Guardiola said: “Very tight game like we expected. For our heads this is a very important victory. An incredible effort from everyone. Ederson again, like against Leeds, he made an incredible save today.

“It’s the beginning of the season, the international break and transfer window is over so we can start from here.

“Not the best performance, we are still a way from our best condition but of course the results will help us to get it. Today we knew the opponent we would face, the quality they have in all departments.

“The team was incredible, the effort and how we played.

“Unfortunately we cannot sustain the 90 minutes in the way we want to play, but these games help us to achieve it. We need time to grow as a team.”

City started brightly and went ahead in the 23rd-minute thanks to a well-taken goal from Sterling.

Arsenal failed to capitalise on their chances and have now dropped down to fifth in the Premier League table.

City fans will be happy with the return of Argentinian striker Sergio Aguero, who returned to the starting lineup for the first time in months.

Meanwhile, Arsenal fans saw Thomas Partey appear in the Gunners’ team for the first time after his move from Atletico Madrid.

City’s next game is against FC Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday. After that they face West Ham in the Prem.

Arsenal’s next game is against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday. Their next Prem game is at home to Leicester next Sunday.