Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has ramped up the mind games with Arsenal supporters by giving them a hint of what to expect from him in their Premier League clash on Sunday.
The Gunners are challenging for the league title for the third consecutive season after finishing runner-ups in the past two years. It has been difficult for any team to come close to Man City, but Mikel Arteta’s side will try to stop them from winning for the fifth time on a bounce.
The North London side were able to gather four points in two games against the men in blue last season. Guardiola might be aware of how difficult their next challenge is and has now decided to spice things up by revealing his new strategy at halftime.
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The Citizens drew 0-0 vs Inter yesterday in match day one of the Champions League. We observed that the Spanish boss has built a habit of making two substitutions at halftime this season.
He did it against Brentford in the PL last week, followed by the next game against the Nerazzurri. Although it’s not a compulsion, he didn’t shy away from injecting some fresh blood to change the game.
After the Inter game, Guardiola revealed that he can use similar tactics vs. Arsenal this weekend. As quoted by the Athletic, he said:
“I was criticised because with five substitutions, I didn’t make substitutions, and now I make substitutions at half-time, and against Arsenal I will do the same.”
🗣️ Pep Guardiola on making two half-time substitutions in successive matches:
“It’s a new version of Pep. We will do the same against Arsenal!” 👀🔜 pic.twitter.com/0iP3si3HtM
— DailyAFC (@DailyAFC) September 19, 2024
Guardiola rarely used to make a double change so early in the contest given that his team was capable of turning things around. But he has changed his strategy for this campaign. Against Brentford, he brought in Rodri and Josko Gvardiol for Matteo Kovacic and Rice Lewis.
This helped them win more aerial duels in defence. Similarly, the manager introduced Phil Foden & IIkay Gundogan to replace Savinho & Kevin de Bruyne vs Inter. Another tactical move to bring more creativity upfront.
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He might use a similar strategy at halftime in the Arsenal game as per the need. But this is a natural move for any manager. Even Arteta might do it, so it’s nothing different.
The 53-year-old is clearly trying to play mind games before the razor-tight contest, and we do not have to listen to his verdict.
He played with his words last season as well, claiming that the Gooners had it easy in the title race. It didn’t make any difference as the away side were able to snatch a point at the Etihad.
