“Kill someone…” – Pep Guardiola issues hilarious response to Manchester City tactical problem

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola provided an hilarious response to journalists during post-match questions at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The 53-year-old saw his Manchester City side squander the opportunity to leapfrog Premier League title rivals Arsenal in the table on Sunday afternoon, as Liverpool took a significant step towards regaining the Blues’ Premier League crown.

The stalemate at the Etihad Stadium allowed Liverpool to move three points ahead of Manchester City and two points ahead of Arsenal in the race for the title, as Guardiola’s side dropped points for a 10th time this season.

Despite dominating the ball with 73% possession, Manchester City managed to create just one attempt on target against the Gunners, losing further ground in the race to become the first side to win four consecutive Premier League titles.

Successive league draws against both Liverpool and Arsenal have hugely hampered Manchester City’s title ambitions, with the Sky Blues winless at home against Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal this season.

The Sky Blues are unbeaten since early December across all competitions, but have seen star striker Erling Haaland score just five Premier League goals since returning from injury in late January.

Nathan Ake became the Blues’ latest injury concern on Sunday afternoon, with the Dutchman withdrawn due to a problem in the first-half, as Guardiola already contends with injuries to both Kyle Walker and John Stones.

City struggled to break down Arsenal’s resolute defence, and when asked about a future solution to dealing with an opposition playing with a low block, Guardiola joked: “Kill someone? Play with nine.”

“They defend really well but we tried. I recognise the intention we had. We take the point and in nine games we will see what happens. We will refresh mind and legs and go into Aston Villa.

“[We] prefer to win but take the point. Hard game. Team make me so proud. We wanted to try and they allow us to go left side. They make incredible pressing. The chances they have in first half, they press really well. Arsenal score many and concede few.”

Manchester City return to action on Wednesday evening against Aston Villa in the Premier League, where the Cityzens can move level on points with Liverpool ahead of their game against Sheffield United on Thursday.

The Blues will then travel to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace before visiting Real Madrid in the first-leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.