Guardiola quietens critics with a display of defending

THERE were more grumblings from some Manchester City fans after the 1-1 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates.

- By SIMON BAJKOWSKI

One point in North London leaves the Blues eight points behind champions and leaders Liverpool after just five matches, which will take some catching even with so long in the season left.

Some disliked the result, others weren't fans of the defensive nature of the performance - a Pep Guardiola team has never had so little possession in the Premier League than the 32 per cent they enjoyed/ endured against Arsenal on Sunday.

City are no longer the dominant force in the league or league matches, it seems.

However, what Guardiola did at Arsenal certainly confounded some of the criticisms levelled against him.