Manuel Pellegrini: 'It was not the usual Arsenal. They defended very well for 90 minutes'

Manchester City manager explains the 'two reasons' why his side were beaten by Arsenal

(GETTY IMAGES)

Manuel Pellegrini was left disappointed by both a first half penalty decision and his own team’s inability to create goalscoring opportunities as Manchester City’s 12 match unbeaten run came to an end in a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal.

“I think there were two principle reasons (for the loss). One of them was the penalty, the other was that we were not creative.”

Manchester City’s returning captain Vincent Kompany was adjudged to have fouled Nacho Monreal inside the box in the 23 minute.

“I don’t think that was a penalty, it changed the game. Before the penalty, we had possession of the ball and we played very near their box.

“On the other side, we had a lot of time on the ball, but we were not a creative team. Without creative ideas, it is difficult to score goals.

“It was not the usual Arsenal. They played very concentrated and defended very well for 90 minutes.”

The result left Manchester City five points behind leaders Chelsea in their battle to retain their title, but with the sides due to meet each other in a fortnight, the Chilean remained hopeful.

“It was a long way to recover the difference of eight points that Chelsea had, now they are five points in front. We have to play against them, but we will prepare. I don’t think it is finished even if we don’t win. We will continue fighting because in football you never know.”