EPL: Why Arsenal beat Man City 1-0 — Mikel Arteta

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EPL: Why Arsenal beat Man City 1-0 — Mikel Arteta

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that his team defeated Manchester City 1-0 in Sunday’s Premier League tie because his players adjusted in the second half and were really efficient against the visitors during the encounter.

Arteta explained that the Gunners were more aggressive and convincing against Pep Guardiola’s side.

A late second-half goal from Gabriel Martinelli ensured Arsenal defeated Man City at Emirates Stadium.

“When we lost at the Etihad, it was very important to go through that pain,” Arteta told NBC’s pitchside crew after the game. “To beat them in the Community Shield as well, you have to go through. It could be different [in the future] but at the moment it’s special.”

He added: “We struggled in the first 35 minutes to occupy the right spaces. At halftime, we adjusted, and we were really efficient.

“You have to win the ball because, against that team, they can play you out and run you out of space. We had to be more aggressive and more convincing; take more initiative with the ball.”

Arsenal is now level with Tottenham Hotspur on 20 points, but Spurs have more goals and sit at the top of the Premier League table.