Pep Guardiola makes Arsenal tactics claim amid fresh Bukayo Saka injury update

Pep Guardiola has lauded Arsenal's defensive solidity after the Gunners came away with a point against Manchester City at the Etihad.

Liverpool now lead the Premier League table after the stalemate in Manchester, with both teams having limited chances in a match which was the first time City have failed to score at home in the Premier League since October 2021.

Mikel Arteta's side last won against City in January 2015, having lost eight and drawn one of their last nine games against Guardiola's side.

"We take the point. We tried. We didn't create much, they didn't create much," said Guardiola.

"They defended very compact, we could not regain the balls high pressing because first contact, second contact they were there. They had a lot of quality and physicality.

"They had one or two chances in transitions when we lost one or two balls. But yes it was a tight game, we were who we are, we missed a little bit in the final third but it is not easy. The strikers run back with Rodri, the crosses they were really good with, the physicality and intensity.

"The last game at the Emirates was similar. We tried to create a little bit more but it is not easy. They have good players defending the way they did and they also did high pressing - they are fantastic in what they do.

"When we break them in contact with the wingers or with Haaland and then got inside there was Jorginho and Rice there. The spaces were very little. That is why they were top of the league, now is Liverpool, but last season, this season they play really well."

"They always press high, but when you break they drop into a low block. When you arrive in the final third the main target is to not concede a goal, and the more players you can get in there, it is more difficult for the opponent. I think they did that brilliantly.

Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bukayo Saka was replaced in the second half of the match due to fatigue.

"He's been out for a few weeks now with a little problem. He went out with fatigue," the Spaniard told reporters after the game.