Pep Guardiola's Anthony Taylor verdict amid Man City frustration with Arsenal tactics

Pep Guardiola was happy with Anthony Taylor keeping his cards in his pocket after Arsenal managed to frustrate Manchester City during their goalless draw at the Etihad.

Mikel Arteta's side produced a streetwise performance in stopping City from scoring at home for the first time in 57 matches, delaying the flow of the game wherever possible and committing 20 fouls during the 90 minutes.

Despite that high count, Taylor showed only two yellow cards and neither was for a foul. Gabriel Jesus was booked for holding on to the ball after a free-kick was awarded and David Raya for time wasting.

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Arsenal's approach to the game infuriated City supporters and Guardiola nodded when it was put to him that Arsenal had sought to slow the game down at every opportunity, but he refused to criticise those tactics and praised Taylor's performance.

"It’s not my job. I control my team and the rest I don’t know," he said. "Anthony Taylor must be happy because nothing wrong happened. Normally it happens when the referee becomes more important to the players. The ref was really good. It was OK."

City struggled to break down Arsenal when the ball was live, with the visitors defending deep and clogging the midfield, denying service to Erling Haaland and smothering the striker when he did get possession. Asked how City could combat a side defending with a low block like Arsenal, Guardiola joked: "Kill someone. Play with nine. They defend well and a lot. Surrounding Erling.

"Be patient and find the pass. They defended well with a lot of people. There are different ways. They did well with the press