Gary Neville ‘surprised’ at Pep Guardiola decision that cost Man City against Arsenal
Gary Neville questioned one of Pep Guardiola’s substitutions as Manchester City drew 1-1 with Arsenal on Sunday.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring for Man City in the first half before Gabriel Martinelli snatched a stoppage-time equaliser for the Gunners.
The result on 21 September leaves Arsenal second in the Premier League, five points adrift of table-toppers Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Neville blasted Bernardo Silva for throwing the ball at Leandro Trossard in a first-half dispute with the Belgium international.
Pep Guardiola’s Erling Haaland substitution comes back to bite him
Ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Pep Guardiola’s men, Mikel Arteta left Eberechi Eze out of his starting 11.
The England international went on to assist Martinelli’s late equaliser, as the forward’s run got the better of Man City’s backline.
In the 76th minute, Guardiola opted to sub off Haaland, replacing him with defensive midfielder Nico Gonzalez.
On Sky Sports Main Event [21 September], Neville said: “That is a surprise, especially from a defensive viewpoint.”
Guardiola’s decision left Man City without an attacking outlet to help them relieve the pressure from Arsenal, who went on to snatch a draw.
Man City’s title chances look increasingly slim
After yielding two wins, one draw, and two defeats from their first five Premier League games, the Etihad Stadium club are ninth in the top flight, eight points adrift of leaders Liverpool.
| Man City’s last three results | Premier League 2025/26 |
| Brighton (A) | 2-1 L |
| Manchester United (H) | 3-0 W |
| Arsenal (A) | 1-1 D |
Having failed to clinch silverware last term, Guardiola is desperate to achieve glory this time around, while Man City signed Gianluigi Donnarumma from PSG to conclude a busy summer transfer window.
The North West outfit also bolstered their attack by signing players like Rayan Cherki, demonstrating their desire to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal.
Meanwhile, a victory over Arsenal would have been a real statement from Man City, who were below par when they were beaten by both Tottenham and Brighton last month.
However, Guardiola’s side failed to hold onto their lead in North London, meaning they will likely have to wait at least another season to get their hands back on the Premier League trophy.
Man City will now vie to avoid a Carabao Cup upset when they head to Huddersfield Town on Wednesday, 24 September.