Embattled Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger hailed his side’s character after they twice fought back to earn a 2-2 draw against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on Sunday.
Leroy Sane’s fifth-minute goal and Sergio Aguero’s drilled effort saw Arsenal fall behind twice in the first half, but Wenger’s men hit back to draw level on each occasion via Theo Walcott and Shkodran Mustafi.
The result followed a sequence of four defeats in five Premier League games that had seen Wenger come under fire from a sizeable contingent of disgruntled Arsenal fans.
“We were not completely at our best because of the pressure, but we showed mental strength and did not lie down,” Wenger told television reporters at the Emirates Stadium.
“We were nervous and surprised by their start. I feared that we could start with the handbrake on because of the pressure we are under.”
Arsenal remain seven points below fourth-place City, albeit with a game in hand, meaning there is work to do if Wenger is to steer the club into the Champions League for the 19th season running.
“Mathematically a draw is not the best solution for both teams, but it is a point which will help us,” Wenger added.
