Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says that his side “will come back stronger” following their narrow defeat to Arsenal on Sunday.
Substitute Gabriel Martinelli saw his long range effort land in the net following a heavy deflection from defender Nathan Ake for the only goal of a cagey game.
The victory ended Man City’s 12-game winning streak against the Gunners in the Premier League, while it is the first time the club have lost consecutive league games since 2018.
“One deflection, we had 10-15 really good moments in the first half, they started the second half well. It was a tight game. Not many chances, one deflection,” Guardiola told BBC Match of the Day.
“It was a tight game. We defended really well, the players gave everything. It is football, we lost the game. We will come back stronger.”
It is City’s sixth defeat out of 16 league games they have played without Rodri, who was suspended for this game, while they have only lost five out of 67 league games in which the Spaniard has featured.
“Rodri is an important player but he is not there for the reason everyone knows and we have to move forward. Every game is completely different,” Guardiola said.
“I know these players for many years and what we have done together. It is honour and privilege to see them running and fighting.”
Arsenal leapfrog Man City to go second in the Premier League table, where they lie behind north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who sit at the top of the standings with 20 points, on goal difference.
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