"I've never seen Guardiola play like that, but I really liked it," Neville commented on Sky Sports. "Guardiola decided that Man City would defend deep and counter-attack with only one striker. They looked very comfortable, almost neutralizing all of Arsenal's attacks until the equalizer."

Gianluigi Donnarumma punches the ball away from a corner kick during Man City's 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the 5th round of the Premier League at Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 21/9/2025. Photo: *The Guardian*

According to Neville, Guardiola has completely changed since his early days managing Man City. "I remember Guardiola's first season in England, he insisted the reason they conceded goals was because they didn't keep the ball well enough," the former Man Utd defender recalled. "For the past 7-8 years, Man City have dominated through ball control, but now they've made a 180-degree turn. Man City now play more direct, physically stronger, less flamboyant football, but it's still extremely effective. And I like this change."

At the Emirates Stadium on 21/9, Man City played pragmatically—contrary to their usual flamboyant style, holding only 32.8% possession—the lowest in all 601 league games Guardiola has managed. Coincidentally, both of his matches with the lowest possession percentages have come against Arsenal in the Premier League, the previous one being 36.5% in 3/2023.

In this match, Man City opened the scoring in the 9th minute thanks to Erling Haaland's angled shot. Afterward, the visitors retreated into a defensive formation. Guardiola even substituted Phil Foden and Haaland with defender Nathan Ake and central midfielder Nico Gonzalez, respectively, to reinforce the defense and preserve the 1-0 lead, but to no avail. In the third minute of added time, Gabriel Martinelli beat the offside trap, broke through, and chipped the ball over goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to level the score.

Manager Pep Guardiola substituted Erling Haaland with central midfielder Nico Gonzalez in the 76th minute. Photo: *Reuters*

According to Neville, Guardiola's change was primarily to counter Arsenal's set-piece strength. "Set pieces are Arsenal's main weapon," the former England defender said. "Guardiola used '9 giants' to defend against aerial balls, and they did very well. Every time Arsenal took a long throw-in or a corner kick, Man City handled it cleanly."

Neville also praised Haaland for his hold-up play, burst of speed, and angled right-footed shot to open the scoring. "A beautiful goal," he exclaimed. "When Haaland first arrived at Man City, you rarely saw goals like that. He charged forward like a whirlwind and finished coolly. The goal reminded me of Cristiano Ronaldo in his prime."

Erling Haaland's angled finish opened the scoring for Man City. Photo: *Reuters*

Meanwhile, former Arsenal player Perry Groves pointed out center-back Gabriel Magalhaes's mistake that led to the conceded goal. "He pushed up too high, leaving space for Haaland. When facing a striker like that, just a moment of inattention, and you'll pay the price," Groves told talkSPORT.

With the 1-1 draw, Man City is currently 9th in the Premier League with 7 points, while Arsenal sits second with 10 points, 5 points behind Liverpool. In the 6th round, Man City returns home to face newcomers Burnley, while Arsenal visits Newcastle.

Hong Duy (*Sky Sports, talkSPORT*)