Against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola broke his own rule in football thanks to Mikel Arteta

When most people think of Guardiola, possession football is usually the first thing that comes to mind.

He has always been committed to a style built around controlling the ball and keeping it away from the opposition. Over the years, that approach has not changed much.

As recently as last month, Guardiola made it clear he had no plans to shift away from his principles, insisting that his side would continue to play their way.

“Never, ever will I change my beliefs in the way we are going to play. But if you regain [the ball] up the pitch, I want to attack quickly,” he told TNT Sports.

“When the opponents do high pressing man-to-man and we break the first press, I want to attack quickly. But after that, I love to pass the ball a thousand, million boring passes. I love it.”

However, Sunday’s match at Emirates Stadium told a different story. Rather than sticking with his usual game plan, Guardiola opted for a more defensive setup against Arsenal.

Around 68 minutes in, City moved into a back five and dropped deep into their own half. Instead of looking to control possession as usual, they sat back and absorbed pressure from the Gunners.

The approach was so cautious that City finished with just 32.8 per cent possession – the lowest recorded by any team managed by Guardiola in his top-flight career.

No matter how you view Arteta’s impact on football so far, few managers have forced Guardiola into such an uncharacteristic approach.

Mikel Arteta hits new milestone in Guardiola rivalry after Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Man City

Arteta may be disappointed not to have taken all three points from Manchester City at home, even though a late equaliser salvaged a draw.

The Spaniard’s initial team selection was questionable. Eberechi Eze probably should have started ahead of Mikel Merino, who put in the effort but did not really trouble City defensively.

Eze’s introduction at half-time changed the momentum of the match. The former Crystal Palace midfielder provided the assist for Martinelli’s equaliser, capping off an impressive performance.

The result also set a new milestone for Arteta, as he became the first manager to go five consecutive league games without defeat against Guardiola.

That is an incredible achievement by any standard.