Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City are ready for the challenge as he says Arsenal planned to provoke the champions into a war during their Premier League clash last weekend.
John Stones’ late equaliser proved to be the saving grace for City in their 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, in a game where midfielder Rodri suffered a season-ending injury as he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.
Tempers flared and tension was at a high during the game even as Erling Haaland threw the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes and also said to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after the final whistle, “stay humble”.
With all that transpired, Gabriel stated after the game that the Gunners would be waiting for City to visit them at the Emirates in the return fixture.
“Gabriel said it perfectly in the press after the match: this is a war, we [are] here to provoke the opponent, push them,” Guardiola responded to reporters when quizzed about Haaland’s actions.
“And at the end, what can you do? You provoke me? OK, I’m there. You want a war? Now we war… The type of challenge that Arsenal challenges, I understand it.”
City, travel to Newcastle United on Saturday, as they are two points ahead of Arsenal with 13 points amassed from five games.
