Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, has clearly warned Arsenal about the title ahead of their Premier League matchup this weekend. It occurs as the two teams are hoping to reenact the struggle they engaged in throughout the previous season and have had a respectable start to their respective campaigns.
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Few predicted that the Gunners would challenge for the top spot right away, therefore they unexpectedly entered the title discussion. Due to their brisk start, they were able to maintain momentum throughout the hectic holiday season and remained at the top for the duration of the year.
To their credit, City was able to continue their regular process of getting stronger towards the end of the season. They defeated Arsenal handily during a run of victories, winning the title and their route to an unprecedented treble of trophies.
Arsenal, though, bolstered their team throughout the summer window because they wanted this run to be more than simply a passing fad. To improve their possibilities and increase their chances of winning the league championship at the Emirates Stadium in May, almost £200 million was spent.
The Gunners have enjoyed a respectable start to the season with five victories, two draws, and 17 points after their first seven games. Even though they had a few disappointing performances, they are still in the race for the top of the standings.
With six victories and one loss through their first five games of the season, Man City is currently only one point ahead of Arsenal. Last weekend’s setback to Wolves, which followed their EFL Cup departure to Newcastle, raises concerns about their recent streak of two losses in a row.
However, they put it in the rearview mirror last week as they defeated RB Leipzig 3-1 in the Champions League. Guardiola said on TNT Sports: “I’m not going to judge my team on results.” This caused Guardiola to issue a strong warning to Arsenal ahead of their matchup this weekend.
“The performances [against Newcastle and Wolves] may not have been the best, but it was difficult to defend the box with 10 players. It’s difficult to defend with ten players, five players, four players, a striker, and a holding midfielder all in the box.
“So it transpired; we had bad luck with the opening goal and were not attentive enough. Since there are various games, I can comprehend it. However, if you believe that because we could have lost again tonight, I’m going to mistrust the players or what we’re going to do this season, you’re mistaken. You shouldn’t be answering these questions.
“I rely on these individuals without condition, whether they win or lose, because I am aware of their training sessions and the way they approach life. And we’re off to Arsenal to play our game now.
“Relax and perhaps we can get there [in the title race] in March, April, or May, near to the competitions. We won’t be an easy opponent to beat, I have a feeling.