Guardiola: The Differences Were Minimal, and the Match Was an Advertisement for the Premier League
Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola appeared in a press conference following the 2-1 victory over Arsenal in the highlight match of the 33rd round of the English Premier League, in the encounter that took place between the two teams at the Etihad Stadium.
The coach said in his speech: "The match was the best advertisement for the English Premier League."
He added: "Arsenal doesn't give you a chance to slow down; they are highly offensive. They excel in tackles and are among the most competitive teams I've faced in my career, both in individual and team duels, in addition to long balls with Havertz and Rice, and counter-attacks - an outstanding performance."
He added, "We were controlling the flow of the game, and they were controlling it as well. We had opportunities, and they had opportunities. In the end, in matches like these, the differences are minimal."
Regarding the quality of the match, he said: "Certainly, both teams are good - top-class coaches! And top-class players on both teams, I was very keen, but the truth is it's just one match. They are leading the league by a goal difference."
He continued: "We must enjoy the victory, celebrate it, and benefit from the positives, but without losing our focus. Our focus is on the Burnley match in three days."
Regarding Arsenal's adjustments after the cup final: "Perhaps they played more directly than in the Wembley match. Havertz holds onto the ball more in attack, but Gyökeres is also strong, especially with rebounds, as they are very skillful. Raya's passes are excellent."
He noted: "We know their speed and proficiency with set pieces. When we concede a lot of corners and free kicks, they are at their best. They had four or five attackers, Gabriel at the end, and their passing is also good."
He concluded: "Sometimes it's hard to control because we are tired. In the end, I am happy that we were able to keep hope alive, and perhaps we will try until the end."
The coach said in his speech: "The match was the best advertisement for the English Premier League."
He added: "Arsenal doesn't give you a chance to slow down; they are highly offensive. They excel in tackles and are among the most competitive teams I've faced in my career, both in individual and team duels, in addition to long balls with Havertz and Rice, and counter-attacks - an outstanding performance."
He added, "We were controlling the flow of the game, and they were controlling it as well. We had opportunities, and they had opportunities. In the end, in matches like these, the differences are minimal."
Regarding the quality of the match, he said: "Certainly, both teams are good - top-class coaches! And top-class players on both teams, I was very keen, but the truth is it's just one match. They are leading the league by a goal difference."
He continued: "We must enjoy the victory, celebrate it, and benefit from the positives, but without losing our focus. Our focus is on the Burnley match in three days."
Regarding Arsenal's adjustments after the cup final: "Perhaps they played more directly than in the Wembley match. Havertz holds onto the ball more in attack, but Gyökeres is also strong, especially with rebounds, as they are very skillful. Raya's passes are excellent."
He noted: "We know their speed and proficiency with set pieces. When we concede a lot of corners and free kicks, they are at their best. They had four or five attackers, Gabriel at the end, and their passing is also good."
He concluded: "Sometimes it's hard to control because we are tired. In the end, I am happy that we were able to keep hope alive, and perhaps we will try until the end."