Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claims Arsenal changed their game plan on Sunday as Gunners emerge victorious at the end.
The Spaniard suggested the introduction of Gabriel Martinelli in the second-half was key to Arsenal’s victory. The Brazilian winger scored the only goal of the match, which makes big statement in the title race.
Speaking to BBC Sports, Guardiola was praising Martinelli for his heroics on Sunday. Gunners take massive three points at the Emirates from the league winners.
Manchester City had a better first-half but it was not the night for Guardiola’s men. But Mikel Arteta subbed in Gabriel Martinelli in place of Leandro Trossard to change to course of the match.
Hence, the Brazilian scored the decisive goal which took deflection before entering the net. Guardiola knew his team was struggling after the interval. He told BBC :-
“The first 10 or 15 minutes were good.
“We started with a lot of control, because I know how the transitions they are really, really good – and then in the second half they started really well with Martinelli, the first 10 or 15 minutes they increased the rhythm.
“But after it was tight and they were some counter attacks, a goal disallowed, and some actions we could not continue and then after one deflection we lose the game.”
Martinelli’s strike may not have been one of his best strikes, but it was important one for Arsenal at the end. This victory would be a huge boost up for Gunners after last campaign’s title slip.
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