High five for Man City

Manchester City’s Ferran Torres celebrates scoring against Arsenal during an EPL match at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

Pep Guardiola ruled out signing a striker before next week's transfer deadline after Manchester City rubbed salt into Arsenal wounds with a 5-0 thrashing on Saturday to inflict the Gunners' worst start to a league season since 1954.

City's week had been dominated by transfer speculation as Harry Kane confirmed he will be remaining at Tottenham this season with Spurs unwilling to sale the England captain. Cristiano Ronaldo was then rumoured to be making a sensational move to the Etihad, but opted instead to return to Manchester United.

Wealth of attacking options

Yet, even without the injured Kevin De Bruyne and with Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez on the bench, City showed the wealth of attacking options on offer to Guardiola as Ferran Torres scored twice, while Ilkay Gundogan, Gabriel Jesus and Rodrigo were also on target.

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"I don't think so," said Guardiola when asked if he will add to his squad before the window closes on Tuesday. "The team made a magnificent last season and we are the same, plus Jack [Grealish]." Arsenal have now lost their first three league games and are yet to even score a goal with the pressure rising on Arteta with his side rooted to the bottom of the table. Arteta left the comfort of working as Guardiola's assistant for his first managerial job just under two years ago, but is increasingly in the firing line with the Gunners falling further behind the Premier League elite.

Guardiola praises Arteta

"He is above and beyond a good manager," said Guardiola in defence of his former colleague. "His personality, his leadership, we were sad when he left but sometimes people expect results immediately.

Also Read: CL: Pep Guardiola's overthinking, tinkering did Manchester City in

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