Man City's possession dip this season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that his defensive tactics against Arsenal made him "suffer" because that is not the way he likes to play – City had just 32.8% possession yesterday, the lowest they have had under Guardiola, and the lowest he has overseen in his any of his 601 top-flight matches as a manager.

The Spaniard put it down to fatigue and Arsenal's attacking ability but it could also be seen as the early signs of a steadily increasing trend in City's game, coming on the back of a derby win over Manchester United, in which City had just 43.3% of possession.

Only twice in their five league games this season have City topped 60% possession, an average they have surpassed in every season since Guardiola took charge. In two-thirds of those campaigns, the figure has been over 65%.

Last season's, City's average possession was 61.6%, their lowest figure yet under Guardiola. Even so, it was the best figure of any Premier League team, as it has been in every year of the Spaniard's reign. In 2017-18, their average of 71.7% was almost 10% more than any other side.

But in 2025-26, City lie eighth in the possession charts, with a comparatively measly 52.4%.

"We don't want it, but sometimes it happens. Ok, one time in 10 years is not bad, right?" said Guardiola yesterday, but City's grip on dominating games is showing signs of loosening.