Dec 18, 2016 at 4pm UK at ​Etihad Stadium
Attendance: 54,409
Man CityManchester City
2-1
Arsenal
Sane (47'), Sterling (71')
Silva (38'), Toure (51'), de Bruyne (80'), Fernando (95')
FT(HT: 0-1)
Walcott (5')
Elneny (88'), Paulista (94')

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola: "Arsenal were lucky in first half"

Pep Guardiola watches on during the Premier League game between Manchester City and Watford on December 14, 2016
© SilverHub
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola reveals that he 'did not have to say anything' to his players at half time against Arsenal, seeing his side recover to win 2-1.

Pep Guardiola has claimed that Manchester City were good value for their 2-1 comeback win over Arsenal, as the visitors "were lucky" to take a lead into the interval.

Theo Walcott's smart finish inside the opening five minutes put the Gunners ahead but, much like five days ago against Everton, they struggled to hold on and let slip all three points.

Guardiola had second-half goals from Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling to thank for a victory that leaves his side seven points behind league leaders Chelsea, which the Catalan coach insists was well deserved on the balance of things.

"I didn't say anything to them at half time. I told them not to think about the score, I told them to keep going. Arsenal were lucky in the first half," he told BBC Sport.

"It was a Premier League game and a good game for everybody. It was similar to the game against Chelsea - then we played well and lost and today we won. The guys give everything in every game. I'm happy to be City coach. In terms of spirit it's always there.

"We liked to play today but it's not easy because of high pressing from Arsenal and they defend compact. When we have some of our players come back we will hopefully score more goals."

Man City, now boasting two wins on the spin, return to action on Boxing Day with a trip to face Hull City at the KCOM Stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne shares a joke with Pep Guardiola during a Manchester City training session on November 22, 2016
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Chelsea17141235112443
2Liverpool17114241202137
3Manchester CityMan City17113336201636
4Arsenal17104338191934
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs1796229121733
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd178632417730
7Southampton176651716124
8West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom176562321223
9Everton176562121023
10Bournemouth176382328-521
11Stoke CityStoke175661924-521
12Watford176382129-821
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham175481931-1219
14Middlesbrough174671619-318
15Leicester CityLeicester174582329-617
16Burnley1752101628-1217
17Crystal Palace1743102832-415
18Sunderland1742111528-1314
19Swansea CitySwansea1733112037-1712
20Hull City1733111436-2212