Guardiola ecstatic after dominant win: 'The first hour was very good'

Manchester City suffered a humbling 5-1 defeat against Arsenal on Sunday, a result that not only dealt a severe blow to their Premier League title hopes but also raised concerns about the team's ability to maintain composure under pressure.

While the scoreline suggested complete dominance from Arsenal, Pep Guardiola insisted that his side had performed well for much of the game, particularly in the first hour.

The Spanish manager reflected on the positives he saw from his team, highlighting their early control and intensity. "In the last 20-25 minutes, we forgot not for the first time this season to do what we needed to do, what we had done so well in the first hour. That part of the match was very good. Of course, after the third goal, things became much more difficult. That part of the match was disappointing, but overall, it was a very good performance from our team. As hard as that may be to believe when you look at the final scoreline," Guardiola told the BBC.

City started the game strongly, playing with their usual confidence in possession. They controlled large portions of the first half, with Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva dictating the tempo in midfield. Erling Haaland had a few early half-chances, while Phil Foden threatened with his movement down the left. However, despite their control, City struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut opportunities.

Arsenal, on the other hand, was ruthless in front of goal. The Gunners took the lead with a well-worked team goal that sliced through City's defense. Guardiola’s men responded quickly, pressing high and trying to regain momentum, and it paid off when Rodri equalized with a powerful header from a corner. At that stage, City looked to be in control, with their passing rhythm unsettling Arsenal’s defensive setup.

However, the second half painted a completely different picture. Arsenal came out with more aggression and directness, and City struggled to cope with their intensity. The turning point came when Bukayo Saka scored Arsenal’s third goal, putting City on the back foot. From that moment on, the visitors completely unraveled.

John Stones, who played the full 90 minutes in central defense, was particularly frustrated with how City lost control in the final phase of the match. The England international did not hold back in his assessment, expressing his disappointment in the team’s inability to handle adversity. "We don’t handle losing very well; this hurts my pride. I feel sorry for the fans who traveled here those last 30 minutes were unacceptable. Before that, we were well in the game and showed good things. But what happened afterward makes me both angry and sad."

Stones' words reflected the emotional toll of the defeat, as City collapsed under pressure, conceding three late goals that turned the game into a rout. Arsenal took full advantage, with Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard adding to the humiliation. The final whistle was met with jubilant celebrations from the home fans, while City's players left the pitch visibly dejected.

This defeat puts City in a difficult position in the Premier League title race. Having dominated English football for the past four seasons, Guardiola’s team now faces the real possibility of relinquishing their crown. With Arsenal and Liverpool both showing consistency, City now finds themselves playing catch-up with limited room for error.

While Guardiola tried to focus on the positives, there is no escaping the significance of this loss. The Spanish manager will need to find solutions quickly if City is to reignite their title push. With crucial fixtures ahead, including clashes against Liverpool and Tottenham, the reigning champions must rediscover their resilience to remain in the fight.

For Arsenal, this dominant win serves as a statement to the rest of the league. Mikel Arteta's side continues to grow in stature, and this performance showed that they can go toe-to-toe with the very best. As the title race intensifies, City must regroup and respond, or risk watching their four-year reign at the top of English football come to an end.