Pep Guardiola has to get his side ready to face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final.
The Manchester City boss is already trying to catch the Gunners in the Premier League, but his side are six points behind Mikel Arteta’s team.
The league will not be decided for at least two more months, but whoever wins the Carabao Cup could gain the required momentum to go all the way in the business end of the campaign.
Guardiola knows what it takes to win this competition, but he is aware of the problems that his side will face when they take on Arsenal at Wembley.
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Pep Guardiola admits Arsenal have one of the best defensive systems he has ever faced
Arsenal are a fantastic side in all phases of play.
The Gunners have the best backline in the Premier League, while their midfield partnership of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi is right up there as well.
Arteta’s attack often comes under criticism, but everyone in his frontline has contributed this season, and that has been the case for a few years now.
Manchester City have defensive problems this season, and to add to that, Marc Guehi will not be allowed to play in the final against Arsenal.
Agree or disagree? This should be Arsenal’s starting XI in the Carabao Cup final!
So, Guardiola will know that he cannot rely on his defence, which means his attackers will have to come good. But, Arsenal’s defence could prove to be too strong.
In a press conference on Wednesday, the City boss was asked if Arsenal have one of the best defensive systems he has ever faced. He replied, as relayed on HaytersTV: “Yes!
“Their behaviours in duels one against one are fantastic.
“The defensive structure is very good, but especially when the defensive action is me against my opponent – how did that happen there? I’m beaten in that duel or I’ve been dribbled easy or I’m being made uncomfortable.
“In that, they are really, really good.”
Arsenal’s defence could finally get their revenge over Manchester City
Arsenal’s defence today is on another level compared to Arsene Wenger’s final years at the club.
The last time the Gunners faced Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final was in 2018. They started with a three-man defence of Laurent Koscielny, Shkodran Mustafi and Callum Chambers.
Arsenal were humiliated that day by the Cityzens, who smashed three past that defence. It was painful to watch Mustafi against Sergio Aguero – the German didn’t stand a chance.
Arsenal’s 2018 Carabao Cup final XI: Swap one of these players with a current one, explain your answer.
Now…that's a back three to behold 🫣
Manchester City have Erling Haaland instead of Aguero now, but Arsenal’s defence features William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes.
The two centre-halves have already dealt with the Norwegian before, and they could do so again in the final at Wembley.
If they do, it could be the revenge of the Arsenal defence after they were embarrassed all those years ago.
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