After the midweek slip up at Newcastle, City were much improved against the Gunners, with Sergio Aguero’s hat-trick enough to ensure three vital points.
Guardiola says his team were unrecognisable at St James’ Park but responded superbly.
“The important thing is to be ourselves,” he said.
“At Newcastle we didn’t recognise our team. The players knew that. Today we came back.”
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The result sees City close the gap on Liverpool to two points, but Jurgen Klopp’s men have the chance to extend their lead on Monday when they travel to West Ham.
City’s win has increased the pressure on the Merseysiders ahead of that game but Guardiola says he would rather be in their position.
“I prefer to be in the position of Liverpool. The pressure is when you are behind and you lose points, it’s tougher.
Guardiola was also full of praise for Aguero, who netted his 14th hat-trick for the Club.
It was his tenth Premier League treble, putting him one short of Alan Shearer’s all-time record of 11.
Guardiola says he has been impressed with Aguero since the day he took the reins in the summer of 2016.
“From the beginning, I was very pleased,” he said.
“In the first season, people said I didn’t like him but always I was delighted.
“I am honest, sometimes I played Gabriel or Raheem as striker.
“Today he fought and did everything for the team.
“I judge the intention. The intention from Sergio was always perfect since we’ve been together.”
