Mutant DNAs

Mikel Arteta's Arsenal drew level with Guardiola's City in the dying minutes, but won possession. Pep recorded his worst possession record (33%) of his career. Arrasate's Mallorca drew with Simeone's Atlético Madrid in the final minutes after Atlético Madrid won possession (58%) but lost two points.

Not long ago, both scenarios would have been unthinkable: Guardiola failing to win possession and Simeone dominating the ball. DNA seems to be mutating. In any match, at any moment, anything can happen that breaks principles that seemed unchangeable.

Guardiola had the worst possession rate in his history and Simeone lost two points with 58%.

This isn't the first time Pep has lost possession. It also happened against Arteta's Arsenal (the protégé has come out in a feisty mood) on another occasion, and he even fell into that category once against Leicester. There was no drama, unlike what happened among the supposed defenders of the essence when Tata Martino lost possession by a point (50.5-49.5) against Rayo Vallecano , and a media scandal ensued that ultimately led to the Argentine coach being forced to leave the Blaugrana.

Atlético Madrid has historically been a club of great defense and counterattacks, even with Simeone in charge. They won games by giving away the ball and defending tirelessly, with a quick and lethal counterattack. When they've had to carry the game, they've fared worse. In Mallorca, they dominated possession, won the scoreboard, and were a man down due to a red card before the equalizer. But that's not their DNA, although their position has made them one of the greats, requiring them to control the game instead of lurking in the back and prodding forward, as they always defined themselves with their classic style.

Read also

Arteta won possession from Guardiola but trailed on the scoreboard for virtually the entire match. Brazilian Martinelli scored the equalizer in the 93rd minute to equalize Håland's goal. The Arsenal striker cost 6 million, while Håland's release clause was paid 60 million, plus another 80 million split between commissions to his family and the agency. City took two corners and Arsenal eleven. Guardiola himself acknowledged afterward that his team had not been true to his style. Since August 2023, City have not been able to beat Arsenal, and in the last match played on February 2, Arteta's side won by a resounding 5-1. But Guardiola has been Premier League champions in four of those five years, and Arsenal have not been able to lift the title they so covet. Possession is great, but games are always won on the scoreboard.