Pep Guardiola makes honest Arsenal vs Liverpool admission after controversial end to game

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave his take on Liverpool's clash with Arsenal, which ended in controversy after Gabriel Martinelli's push on Conor Bradley

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola(Image: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola didn't even tune in for the Arsenal vs Liverpool game, maintaining that he's not overly concerned about Manchester City's title competitors.

The Gunners were unable to secure a victory against the Reds, missing out on capitalizing on City's draw with Brighton. The game at the Emirates Stadium ended in controversy after Gabriel Martinelli's push on the injured Conor Bradley, with the Arsenal star having been slammed for his reaction.

Guardiola acknowledged that it's a plus that Arsenal dropped points but emphasized that it won't matter unless his team can return to their winning form. The Citizens have ended up with three consecutive draws after matches against Sunderland and Chelsea before taking on the Seagulls.

Arsenal currently holds a six-point lead over City as it aims for a first title in over two decades. Guardiola's squads are known for their remarkable winning streaks that secure Premier League victories, but the Catalan coach believes his team needs to keep improving to truly establish themselves as contenders.

"I didn't watch them," Guardiola commented on the 0-0 draw between Arsenal and Liverpool. He then conceded: "It is better when they drop points, but if we make that analysis, it is better to think about ourselves.

"It would be a mistake to think about them. We have always found a way to win games. We draw the last three but we are not questioning the process. But we will find a way," reports Football London.

Liverpool's game with Arsenal ended in controversy after Gabriel Martinelli's push on an injured Conor Bradley(Image: Getty Images)

"When we draw a game it is fair, lose it is fair because we have to do better. It is better to be six than eight points but we have to win games to be contenders. Everything is open.

"What I said in the past, it is a process to grow as a team. Many players have never played a final. I am so optimistic and happy that there are many things we are doing really well."

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration over the Gunners' inability to extend their lead, but commended his squad following a demanding festive period.

The Spanish manager believes that the north London side has surmounted several challenges in recent weeks and secured their strong standing despite a series of injury setbacks.

When questioned if the draw with Liverpool was a setback, Arteta responded: "Yeah, every time you don't win.

"But then we would have been 12, 15 or 20 points ahead. I have to really praise the team and the players individually for what they've done in this Christmas period. Because the demands and the schedule, it's unbelievable.

"And what they've done, I think, is remarkable. So to come out of this period with all the issues that we had, in the position that we are, in our strong position that we are, I think the boys deserve my credit and everybody's recognition."

Mikel Arteta's side missed the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the Premier League(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Arteta further elaborated on what he takes pride in most. "The desire they have to win and the consistency that they are showing," he stated.

"With the schedule that we have in front of us and the situation that we have to deal with. I think what they're doing is remarkable.

"We want to continue to improve and learn and every game is an opportunity to do that. So tonight as well against the actual champions, let's not forget that.

"They are an incredible team and today we have to reflect on that. Tomorrow we go again because we have another game on Sunday."