An Unrecognizable City in London

The 1-1 draw between Arsenal and Manchester City at the Emirates left a strange feeling. The surprising part wasn’t Arteta’s setup, but Pep Guardiola’s decision to opt for an ultra-defensive scheme, with phases that resembled his old rival José Mourinho more than the possession-based style that defined his career.

City, coming off a 5-1 defeat at the same venue back in February, arrived with the handbrake on. Erling Haaland’s early goal seemed to set them on course, but ambition disappeared right after. Only one more notable chance and 32% possession —the lowest ever in the Guardiola era. In the end, Gabriel Martinelli punished them with an equalizer that exposed the visitors’ retreat.

Donnarumma and the New Experiments

The most visible change in Guardiola’s project is between the posts. The arrival of Gianluigi Donnarumma marks a radical shift from the Ederson era, when the Brazilian practically acted as an extra midfielder with the ball at his feet. The Italian, on the other hand, embodies the classic goalkeeper profile: imposing on the line but limited in distribution.

Guardiola defended him: “I won’t ask him to do something he isn’t prepared for.” But the reality is this move forces City to play differently, more retracted and inviting pressure near their own box. Combined with the use of defensive profiles like Abdukodir Khusanov, it explains the more conservative image City showed at the Emirates.