Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Pep Guardiola kicked out at a drinks cooler in a moment of unbridled relief as Manchester City avoided a stunning early exit from the Champions League on Wednesday. Guardiola could not contain his emotions on a night of high drama at the Etihad Stadium — being shown a yellow card for his over-exuberance on the touchline and switching from ballboy to cheerleader as he lived every moment of a thrilling 3-1 victory

Pep Guardiola will remain without Jeremy Doku, Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake for Manchester City’s Premier League showdown against Arsenal. City head to the Emirates trailing the Gunners by six points having rescued their Champions League campaign midweek with victory over Club Brugge.

Pep Guardiola has denied that a rift has developed in his relationship with Mikel Arteta despite a number of bruising encounters between his Manchester City team and Arsenal.