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Pep Guardiola saw his team dismantled at the Emirates, losing 5-1 against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, and here are three mistakes he made that led to the humbling defeat.

Arsenal continued their impressive recent record over Manchester City, with goals from Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri sealing the victory.

Erling Haaland found the net for City, but it was the only time they successfully breached the Gunners defence.

We take a look at three mistakes Guardiola made that led to this humbling defeat at the Emirates.

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1. Failing to start Kevin De Bryune

Guardiola is known for his tactical tweaks, but his decision to deploy Bernardo Silva in a deeper midfield role left alongside Matteo Kovacic left City exposed in transitions as they were pressed back into their own half. 

Arsenal’s midfield trio of Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and Thomas Partey dominated City’s midfield, physically pressing them high up, as they knew there was no threat behind them in the pockets.  

De Bryune has typically performed well against the Gunners over the years, and his presence rather than Foden in the number 10 role would have given Arsenal a reason to be cautious with their press, offering City more territory.

2. Opting to play out from the back despite defensive injuries 

City’s backline looked disjointed several times in the game when they had to play out from the back.

Choosing Manuel Akanji and John Stones in central defence with Stefan Ortega in goal instead of Ederson meant City lacked the presence and composure they typically have when playing out from the back. 

Arsenal exploited this, pressing aggressively and forcing errors that led to the opening goal of the game. Guardiola’s reluctance to adjust defensively as Arsenal piled on pressure proved costly.  

3. Lack of attacking balance

Erling Haaland was isolated for large periods, a result of Guardiola’s decision to crowd the central spaces with his attackers while providing width through his fullback. 

Jeremy Doku’s absence meant City lacked a reliable outlet on the left, while Phil Foden and Omar Marmoush struggled to find space. This made City’s attack predictable and easy for Arsenal to contain.  

Guardiola’s miscalculations allowed Arsenal to dominate, handing City their heaviest defeat in recent memory.