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Attendance: 54,409

Premier League

Dec 18, 2016 at 4pm UK

Man City Manchester City
2-1
Arsenal

Sane (47'), Sterling (71')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Walcott (5')

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "Arsenal were lucky in first half"

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 18 December 2016

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals that he 'did not have to say anything' to his players at half time against Arsenal, seeing his side recover to win 2-1.

Pep Guardiola has claimed that Manchester City were good value for their 2-1 comeback win over Arsenal, as the visitors "were lucky" to take a lead into the interval.

Theo Walcott's smart finish inside the opening five minutes put the Gunners ahead but, much like five days ago against Everton, they struggled to hold on and let slip all three points.

Guardiola had second-half goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling to thank for a victory that leaves his side seven points behind league leaders Chelsea, which the Catalan coach insists was well deserved on the balance of things.

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

"It was a Premier League game and a good game for everybody. 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 come back we will hopefully score more goals."

Man City, now boasting two wins on the spin, return to action on Boxing Day with a trip to face Hull City at the KCOM Stadium.