City were in total control against the Gunners, who had David Luiz sent off in the 48th minute after his mistakes had led to Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne’s goals.
Phil Foden sealed the three points in added time, to leave Guardiola happy with a job well done.
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“We have incredible respect for Arsenal, because we know exactly what they want to do, but it was a mystery how the team would be after more than two months out,” he explained at his post-match press conference.
“The first minutes of the game were typical of two months off, with an incredible amount of energy from both teams.
“After, we settled, set up the game and had chances. We were lucky to score the first goal at the end of the first half and after, with the penalty and the sending off, it was much easier.
“In general, after two months you don’t know how the team is going to feel. We made a good performance against a good team.”
Watch the manager’s full post-match press conference in the video above.