Pep Guardiola: I didn't say anything to inspire Manchester City at half-time - Arsenal were 'lucky' to be winning

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Tom Doyle19 December 2016

Pep Guardiola has revealed that his Manchester City players needed no half-time motivation to come back and beat Arsenal 2-1 at Etihad Stadium.

Arsene Wenger's Gunners led at the interval through a Theo Walcott goal as City struggled to get into the game, creating little in the way of chances against their Premier League title rivals.

It was a different story in the second half as Arsenal wilted against a resurgent City, with Leroy Sane equalising before Raheem Sterling completed the turnaround.

While Guardiola praised his players for their impressive victory, he felt City played in a similar way to their 3-1 defeat against Chelsea - but this time, they got their reward.

"I didn’t say anything to them at half time," he told BBC Sport. "I told them not to think about the score, I told them to keep going. Arsenal were lucky in the first half.

"It was similar to the game against Chelsea - then we played well and lost and today we won.

"The guys give everything in every game. I'm happy to be City coach. In terms of spirit it's always there.

"We liked to play today but it's not easy because of high pressing from Arsenal and they defend compact.

"When we have some of our players back we will hopefully score more goals."

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