Jack Grealish surprised by Man City’s possession stats, but Premier League title race is from above with aim scorer admitting Arsenal played better

Manchester Town haven’t been them selves this period, but for as soon as, that turned out to be a fantastic matter.

A 3-1 gain above Arsenal at the Emirates has Pep Guardila’s aspect back at the leading of the Leading League, albeit with a match more played.

A masterclass from Kevin De Bruyne saw the Belgian score the opener and guide Erling Haaland, though Jack Grealish bagged the other target in a very long-overdue title showdown.

The consequence marked a probably defining stage in the race for the title, in a season wherever Metropolis have struggled.

Guardiola’s men have been underneath their finest, though issues have been asked about Haaland fitting into their team, in spite of his incredible goalscoring document.

But towards Arsenal, it was compound above style, and Guardiola may possibly have stumbled across anything.

In what appeared to be a weird 3-2-4-1 formation pre-match, his facet struggled, and Guardiola was genuine when asked what the issue was.

“My practices!” he said. “I experimented with a thing new and it was terrible.

“We are crafted as a staff, as a mad staff. In the 2nd fifty percent we ended up far more aggressive, successful duels and when that happens we are a superior staff.

“What’s vital is profitable the sport in this stadium. It was very good but there are a lot of, quite a few game titles to engage in for absolutely everyone.

“Now we are prime of the league but they have just one recreation in hand.”

Irrespective of his change-up, there was nevertheless lots new for Town, as the stats confirmed.

The Sky Blues experienced just 36 per cent possession in the match, the cheapest complete for a league match in Guardiola’s total managerial vocation.

Metropolis also recorded their most affordable passing precision beneath Guardiola [72.76%] and fewest productive passes [219], but continue to came out on top rated.

Guardiola thinks Town confirmed their best in the next 45, but his document signing disagreed.

“If I’m staying trustworthy I do not consider we played that properly,” Grealish said submit-match.

“I believe Arsenal played a ton superior than us, I believe they were the superior crew.”

When informed about Guardiola’s new possession small, the winger was in shock.

“Thirty six?” he requested in disbelief. “I really do not really want to say a lot about that.

“That’s what I suggest, even though, I considered they have been the far better team. I assumed they experienced a number of likelihood.

“I imagine if you win titles you have acquired to occur to grounds like this and acquire game titles even when you are not at your very best.”

There was a very clear disconnect in between the manager and his star participant, and debate will absolutely continue in excess of who is right, and hence no matter whether Metropolis are the actual deal or not this season.

All Arteta can do is hope Grealish finishes up staying proved appropriate, and not only be the much better crew for their remaining showdown in April but for the 16 games still left to conquer.