And pledges to retain his star man
midfield, he still had the composure and presence of mind to keep the ball and pick out a fine pass for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
This attempt to get in behind was Arsenal’s only properly visible attacking pattern, and it was logical… but there were also two very logical reasons it failed. Arsenal are now yet anywhere cohesive enough to be that kind of rapid countering side, even if may well come.
City, however, are beyond cohesive. They’re almost organic
“He made some very good things in the World Cup, how he moved and created space for others. I’m sure in the European qualifiers he will score goals for his country, England.”
Sterling played from the start despite only returning to training a week ago, while Kevin De Bruyne came off the bench.
Key to City’s bid for continual improvement is the competition in the squad which requires the players maintain high standards, Guardiola said.
“They have to feel and be at a high level, and know the teammates will be in their position,” with the way the players seem to understand how to instantly change up to fit into a new Guardiola plan.
And there may be more evidence of evolution here.
That ball behind the back of a high line has previously exposed the biggest weakness in any Guardiola side, a necessary risk in his approach, and in some more hysterical Guardiola said.
“Everyone is going to play a lot of minutes and, in every moment, they have to be ready.”
France left back Benjamin Mendy is like a new recruit, given he missed much of last season with a serious knee injury.
Guardiola said the World Cup winner has space to improve on and off the pitch.
He said: “Mendy is Mendy. Sometimes you want to kill him. Sometimes you say, ‘Wow, what a player’.
“Mendy has a lot of things to improve. Hopefully we can convince him to be calm and forget a bit the social media and focus on what he has to do.”
Unai Emery was taking charge of Arsenal for the first time in a competitive game, succeeding Arsene Wenger following the Frenchman’s near 22-year reign.
“I am happy with the players,” Emery said.
“The team, for 90 minutes, they ran, they tried, they pushed, but we need to improve all collective and individual aspects.
“We have to continue working tactically and defensively, and also making shorter the difference between Manchester City and us.”