Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed the reason behind his emotional reaction following Sunday’s draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
During his post-match press conference, Guardiola was visibly moved when asked about the game. He explained that his emotions were not only tied to the result but also to a moment of personal worry.
“I was watching [for] my daughter! I tried to look for her but I didn’t find her! And at the end, when everybody went home to drink a good beer, I saw my daughter! So I was watching if I could find her, but I didn’t find her, and at the end I found her…”
On the pitch, City had taken an early lead through Erling Haaland’s ninth-minute strike, but a late substitution from Mikel Arteta turned the game on its head, with Gabriel Martinelli firing in an 87th-minute equalizer to deny the champions all three points.
Guardiola also reflected on his side’s tactical approach, admitting that while counter-attacks are not City’s preferred style, they remain a necessary part of elite football.
“We will try to not be like this. We will try to not be like this. But, when the opponent is better, and we defend deeper, and we have Erling [Haaland] or Tijjani Reijnders, we can use the counter-attack, yes.
But our intention is not like that. Sometimes in 10 years when we won the leagues and other titles, always we make counter-attacks. You remember Leroy [Sane] and Raheem [Sterling]? You remember how many counter-attacks we did, with Kevin [De Bruyne]? You remember? I’d prefer not to, but you cannot expect at this level not to do it. It’s impossible.”
City, who remain in the title race despite the draw, now turn their focus to upcoming fixtures against Burnley, Brentford, and Everton, where Guardiola will be eager to see his team return to winning ways.
“Hats off to the team for being so resilient… Arsenal was better.”
A humble nod from Pep Guardiola after a tense battle at the Emirates 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/v298ol6qRo
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 21, 2025