In a post-match press conference at the Etihad Stadium Manchester City‘s Pep Guardiola delivered a public dressing down to Jack Grealish before intervening in a potential confrontation between Erling Haaland and Gabriel.
Man City 0-0 Arsenal: Pep Guardiola Press Conference
Guardiola’s animated exchange with Grealish unfolded on the pitch following City’s goalless draw against Arsenal.
Grealish brought on as a substitute in the second half faced criticism from his manager for what appeared to be a lacklustre performance against Arsenal’s staunch defense.
The conversation between Guardiola and Grealish lasted several minutes with the winger seemingly receptive to his coach’s feedback.
Shortly after this exchange, Guardiola stepped in to prevent a clash between Haaland and Gabriel.
Throughout the match, tensions had simmered between the two players but Guardiola’s intervention defused the situation with both players eventually reconciling with a handshake and a hug.
The match itself ended without either side able to secure a victory maintaining Liverpool’s position at the top of the table. Despite their best efforts City and Arsenal failed to break down each other’s defenses resulting in a stalemate.
Also Read: Manchester City vs Arsenal: Match Report
What’s Next for Man City and Arsenal?
Guardiola’s side now faces Real Madrid in the Champions League in two weeks while Arsenal must regroup after losing Bukayo Saka to injury late in the game.
Injuries have plagued both teams with City missing Ederson and Kyle Walker and Arsenal dealing with the loss of Saka during the match and other key players throughout the season.
The draw leaves City in third place trailing Liverpool by three points in what promises to be a tightly contested title race.