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Pep Guardiola's Lowest Possession Record: City's Uncharacteristic Display

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Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola



Pep Guardiola's Manchester City team adopts an unusual defensive approach in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal, resulting in a historic low possession percentage. Read more.


“I want to see the spirit back in the training sessions and enjoying (playing)...”



Pep Guardiola's Manchester City team adopted an unusual defensive strategy in their 1-1 draw against Arsenal, marking a departure from their typical playing style. The Citizens parked the bus, employing a deep-lying defensive setup that saw all 10 outfield players sitting deep, ultimately failing to secure a win despite taking an early lead through Erling Haaland's goal in the 9th minute.


Manchester City's highly unusual 5-4-1 formation allowed them to absorb Arsenal's pressure, but it came at the cost of creativity and attacking threat. Arsenal, meanwhile, capitalized on their chances, with Gabriel Martinelli scoring a dramatic equalizer in the 93rd minute to snatch a point for the hosts. Martinelli's goal was set up by Eberechi Eze's clever pass over the top of the City defense, showcasing Arsenal's ability to break through City's defensive lines.


Manchester City's match concluded with a remarkably low 32.8% possession, as per Opta. This marks the lowest recorded possession percentage for any of Pep Guardiola's teams in a top-flight league match throughout his illustrious career, which has typically emphasized dominating possession and stifling opponents.


Guardiola attributed the team's unusual approach to the short turnaround following their Champions League clash with Napoli on Thursday night. He drew a fitting comparison to Arsenal's defensive strategy in their 2-2 draw against City at the Etihad last season, where Arsenal played with 10 men and employed a rearguard action.


Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Arsenal's quality played a significant role in shaping his team's approach to the match. “They were better and we were tired,” he said, explaining that City's display was influenced by the opponent's strength. Despite the challenges, Guardiola expressed pride in his team's resilience, particularly given the tough schedule involving matches against Manchester United and Napoli.


Guardiola also poked fun at another milestone, saying with a touch of humor, “I cannot live in this country with another record, you know. I'm so proud of that.” This lighthearted comment reflects his awareness of the numerous records associated with his managerial career. City's possession stats in the match against Arsenal were notably low, with 32.8% possession, the lowest recorded in a top-flight league match under Guardiola's tenure.




Pep Guardiola acknowledged that City's performance wasn't their usual style, saying, “We don't want it, but sometimes it happens. One time in 10 years is not bad, right?” This unusual approach saw City parking the bus and relying on grit to hold off Arsenal.


Guardiola freely admitted his discomfort with the team's defensive display, stating, “I suffer. I don't like it.” He emphasized his preference for a more possession-based game, saying, “I want the ball away, away now.” This candid assessment highlights the contrast between City's typical playing style and their pragmatic approach in this match.




Manchester City is currently in a period of transition, having failed to secure the league title last season. Despite this, the team's strength was evident in their third-place finish. Pep Guardiola's primary focus is on revitalizing the team's spirit and improving the overall atmosphere within the squad. As City adjusts to no longer being the favorites to win, Guardiola emphasized the importance of recapturing the team's enjoyment and enthusiasm.


“I want to see the spirit back in the training sessions and enjoying (playing),” Guardiola said. “We lost it last season, and you have to recover, and this week we recover and you have to continue.” This shift in focus highlights Guardiola's commitment to rebuilding the team's morale and performance. By prioritizing the team's spirit and enjoyment, Guardiola aims to guide City back to their winning ways.



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