Pep Guardiola tells Arsenal to prepare for ‘a war’ with Manchester City

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned Arsenal to expect “a war” as the fallout from last week’s fiery clash between the two clubs continues.

Guardiola has also called on opposite number Mikel Arteta to explain himself after cryptic comments about City claiming that he had “all the information” about the champions.

The Premier League title rivals played out an absorbing 2-2 draw on Sunday that ended with heated exchanges after John Stones snatched a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser for the hosts at the Etihad Stadium.

A fired-up Erling Haaland was in thick of the arguments after throwing the ball at Arsenal defender Gabriel’s head and then barging into Thomas Partey.

Guardiola said he did not condone the actions of his star striker but could understand them, highlighting a growing antipathy between the two sides.

He said: “I would say that sometimes the emotions are so there.

“Gabriel said it perfectly after the match, so this is a war, we are here to provoke the opponent, to push them.

“At the end what can you do? OK, you provoke me – I’m there. You want a war? I’ll do a war.

“What do I have to do? And after, the emotions are the emotions. I’m pretty sure he’s (Haaland) not proud, but listen – the type of challenge that Arsenal challenges, I understand it.”

Stones’ late strike brought relief for City after the Gunners, with 10 men, had frustrated them throughout the second half by defending deeply and time-wasting at every opportunity.

Arsenal’s tactics, and use of football’s so-called ‘dark arts’, brought some strong criticism from a number of City players.

Arteta, Guardiola’s former number two, hit back at that during the week.

“I have been there before,” Arteta said when asked about the barbs. “I was there for