Pep Guardiola feels Manchester City have been given an early reminder of the standards they need to hit this season following Sunday’s dramatic clash with Arsenal.
John Stones hit a stoppage-time equaliser as the champions snatched a 2-2 draw from an absorbing Premier League encounter at the Etihad Stadium in which the Gunners played the second half with 10 men.
Arsenal had come from behind to lead 2-1 but the tone of the game changed after Leandro Trossard was sent off shortly before half-time.
The Londoners sat deep to stifle and frustrate City at every opportunity but their hopes of holding out for victory were dashed when Stones pounced on a rebound in the eighth minute of time added on.
“They’ve played good, I’m happy,” said City manager Guardiola on a result that took his side back to the top of the table after five games.
“I cannot expect against Arsenal not to suffer. They defend so deep and (Bukayo) Saka came inside a lot, which is not easy.
“They defend the duels, they are aggressive one against one. It’s a real tough opponent, our biggest contender in the last two years.
“We were lucky to beat them (to the league title). I know the battle, we know it.
“We talk, ‘OK, this is the level for our contenders’. We handle it, we accept the challenge, and 99 points (left to play for). We’ll see what happens.”
City face a quick return to action with a home tie against Watford in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday.
The game could not be played on Wednesday because of a clash with Manchester United’s Europa League fixture while Thursday would have left an even less appealing turnaround before the Saturday lunchtime trip to Newcastle.
Guardiola is likely to make several changes but midfielder Rodri may be unavailable anyway after limping off on Sunday with a knee issue.
The Spaniard was due to be assessed while playmaker Kevin De Bruyne, absent against the Gunners, is still receiving treatment for a pubic injury.
Asked for an update on De Bruyne, Guardiola said: “I don’t think it will be long. I don’t know about Newcastle, but I think it will not be long.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here