Pep Guardiola hailed match-winner Nathan Ake for knocking Arsenal out of this season’s FA Cup.
Ake’s 64th-minute goal gave Manchester City victory over Mike Arteta’s Premier League leaders at the Etihad Stadium. City boss Guardiola hailed Ake and said: “What a season he’s playing. He controlled one of the toughest opponents in the Premier League, because Bukayo Saka is in an incredible moment.
“He’s an exceptional guy, there was a period where he didn’t play and he never complained once. Arsenal have taken a step forward. It was a tight game and you realise how good a side they are.
“I did not expect the approach from them – man-to-man – it was difficult to build up, but we beat the team at the top of the league and are into the next round.”
City and Arsenal meet again in the league on February 15, in a game that could have a major impact on the outcome of the title race. Match-winner Ake said: “It was the first one I ever scored with my right foot, so I’m pleased with that.
“This gives us confidence for the next game. There’s still more to come. They are a very tough team. We stayed strong and didn’t concede.”
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Defeated Arsenal boss Arteta said: “We’re really disappointed. I think we could have got much more out of the game. It’s really difficult to win against this team, but we went head to head with them.
“In the big moments, in big matches, you have the make the difference. That’s how you win these games.”
City lost defender John Stones to a hamstring injury just before half-time and Guardiola accused the defender of not being ready to play. Today he was not ready,” said Guardiola. “I saw it from the first minutes and when that happens, you get injured.”
