Former Manchester United defender, Gary Neville has expressed surprise at Pep Guardiola’s tactics in Manchester City’s 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal.
Neville believes City struggled with intensity and energy, particularly in transition.
The former Manchester United defender questioned Guardiola’s decision to start with Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovačić against Arsenal’s energetic midfield.
Neville suggested that packing the midfield with more players might have given City a better chance.
Cyber Reporters reports that Manchester City’s defeat was a shocking result, with Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard opening the scoring in the second minute.
Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Kai Havertz, and Ethan Nwaneri all scored for the Gunners.
Neville also criticized Guardiola’s handling of injuries to key players, particularly Rodri. He felt the manager should have adapted better to the loss of such a crucial player.
Despite the heavy defeat, Manchester City remain in the top four, albeit 15 points behind Liverpool, who have a game in hand.
