A number of Manchester City players have taken aim at Arsenal’s tactics in the aftermath of their 2-2 draw at the Etihad on Sunday, but Ilkay Gundogan has looked inwards in his analysis of the match
Ilkay Gundogan admitted Manchester City should have been more patient in their “emotional” 2-2 draw with title rivals Arsenal.
John Stones secured a point for City with a 98th-minute equaliser against 10-man Arsenal, who used time-wasting tactics to try to see out the win. But City’s relentless pressure eventually told, with midfielder Gundogan admitting the thrilling and dramatic contest took a lot out of Pep Guardiola’s players.
“It was a very emotional game between the players, the fans,” said Gundogan. “Obviously, it’s a tough opponent and a tough game to play. They made it tough for us and tried everything to get something out of here. We have to give them credit for the way they defended.
“We could have done better in the second half – find better solutions and be a bit more patient, we were lacking that.
“I like to look at ourselves and where we can improve – that’s why I like to be self-critical and see where we can do better. I’m just glad we were able to equalise. It’s definitely deserved.
“We started really well and played really well. Through two set-pieces with their quick free-kick and the corner, they scored two goals. We would have wanted to be prepared better for those, but sometimes it’s not that easy to defend these situations because it’s a clear strength for them.”
Things were certainly heated at the Etihad
Leandro Trossard’s sending-off in first-half added time changed the game, with Arsenal forced to defend their 2-1 lead for the entire second-half, until Stones scored in the dying moments.
“After the red card, they defended around the box, which is normal,” said Gundogan. “They did it well and they were aggressive. It was tough to attack them and find solutions.
“This is football – there are things sometimes that are out of your control, and we always try to adapt. We adapted for the second half and tried to get the draw at least and that’s what we did. We’re now glad that we took the point and know what is expected for the rest of the season and the challenges ahead of us.
“Our second goal was totally deserved and we should have probably won the game, but we’ll take the draw and the point.”
