“You provoke me, okay, I'm there!” - Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola ready to go to ‘war’ against Arsenal
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has responded to Arsenal defender Gabriel’s comments, stating that he and his team are prepared to go to ‘war’ against Arsenal following their 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola’s side fought back to secure a point on Sunday, September 22.
The match saw referee Michael Oliver in the spotlight for his decision to send off Leandro Trossard just before half-time. Arsenal defended resolutely with ten men, but John Stones’ stoppage-time equalizer dashed their hopes of securing their first win at City’s ground since 2015.
In the aftermath, tensions flared with heated reactions from both Manchester City and Arsenal players. Gabriel, who scored Arsenal’s second goal, described the match between the Premier League’s top two sides as a ‘battle and a war' while also hinting they are eager for Manchester City’s visit to their home ground.
Guardiola, in response, warned Arsenal to prepare for the ‘war’ ahead, as the rivalry between the two teams continues to intensify.
“Gabriel said it perfectly after the match. He said: this is a war, we have here to provoke the opponent, to push them, at the end, what can you do? So, we have to, okay, you provoke me, okay, I’m there!” Guardiola said (via Fabrizio Romano).
Manchester City, however, will be severely weakened for the remainder of the season, as Rodri has been ruled out due to an ACL injury.
Arsenal, on the other hand, received positive news on the injury front, as summer signing Mikel Merino has returned to training. Martin Odegaard remains absent although Arteta has hinted that the midfielder will be back in a “matter of weeks.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola questions Mikel Arteta’s comments following heated battle
Guardiola and Arteta showed their friendship and mutual respect after the game, but the City boss has now questioned Arteta to clarify his post-match comments.
The Gunners faced accusations of employing ‘dark arts’ tactics, including strategic fouls and time-wasting, which have made headlines. In the context of that, Arteta referenced his time under Guardiola at City, claiming that he “has all the information" about his former club.
Guardiola, however, wasn’t pleased with these remarks, especially with Manchester City currently involved in a court case over alleged breaches of 115 Premier League financial rules. He urged his former assistant to be more specific in his statements.
“Next time, Mikel has to be more clear about exactly what he means. He said he was here four years and knows exactly what happened here. That can be related to the process now with 115 charges, maybe he knows information about that? Or maybe he had something like, I don’t know…? Hopefully, this question has been asked and he can answer exactly what he means," he said (via BBC)
After their match against Newcastle United on Saturday, September 28, City will face Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, followed by a Premier League clash with Fulham.