Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Mikel Arteta after Manchester City saw off Arsenal1-0 at the Emirates to seal an 18th win in a row in all competitions.
Man City looked set to run riot after Raheem Sterling headed the Premier League leaders in front two minutes into the north London contest, but failed to add to their advantage despite dominating the game.
While City restricted Arsenal to just one shot on target in the 90 minutes, Guardiola felt they were pushed hard by the Gunners under his former assistant Arteta.
"It was a really tough game," he said. "We didn't have the players that we used to play and create our game because Mikel is so clever and they make man to man in the build up.
"It was really difficult to find the right players to attack better but we were consistent again. We started incredibly well again and for 15-20 minutes was so brilliant.
"After they were better than us, we could not press, we could not have the ball and they didn't create much but there were crosses.
"We made a brilliant second half, it was so good.
“We are delighted for the three points because it is the Emirates, Arsenal away, and I know Mikel, how good he is and how well his team plays."
Additional reporting by PA.
