Pep Guardiola's Manchester City rebuild is the reason Arsenal were nervous after dropping points at Sunderland, and they didn't waste any time taking advantage by putting fallen champions Liverpool to the sword
Pep Guardiola celebrates City's statement win over Liverpool
Pep Guardiola celebrates City's statement win over Liverpool
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It is genuinely staggering that anyone thought Manchester City would not be in the title race. You cannot be as good and as successful as Pep Guardiola without having the vision and ability to rebuild this City team and turn them into champions again.
And at the heart of it is Erling Haaland, the world’s best No.9 and most prolific centre forward who could break even more records this season. Did anyone really think it would be that easy for Arsenal? That no-one else would put up a fight?
That everyone was about to hand over the Premier League trophy gift wrapped in red and white ribbons in November was utterly ridiculous. No wonder Arsenal were disappointed and upset at dropping two points at Sunderland on Saturday night.
And you can dress it up how you like. A point was the very least Sunderland deserved but it is naive to suggest that, in the context of a title race, it was anything but two points dropped for Arsenal.
Why? Because Mikel Arteta could see City in his rearview mirror hurtling towards Arsenal with a renewed belief, a fresh-looking team and a serial winner for a manager.
Arteta has yet to get his team over the line to win a major trophy other than the FA Cup. Guardiola took charge of his 1,000th game in the demolition of Liverpool and has won a domestic title 12 times across his career with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and now City.
Guardiola is a serial winner and knows what it takes to win titles. Therefore, his rebuild deserves a bit more respect than what it has been given up to now.
Serial winner Pep Guardiola is guiding City into the heart of the title picture again
Serial winner Pep Guardiola is guiding City into the heart of the title picture again
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They do look a little suspect defensively. But Gianluigi Donnarumma has made them look more secure. Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki are good, creative players. Phil Foden looks back to his best. And if Guardiola can get Jeremy Doku playing on a consistent level, then City will have the winger they have lacked since Riyad Mahrez. That is one hell of a force.
Arsenal are still four points ahead. Whenever you hear the reports saying “only” or City moved to within four points of Arsenal… to be four points ahead at this stage should give Arsenal great confidence.
But the reality is that is hardly a daunting margin for City who, if they can gain their own momentum, can easily put a long winning run together.
The worry for Arteta now is as much mental as anything. City and Guardiola will be in his head. City have trailed Arsenal in the past and overtaken them.
Mikel Arteta was far from pleased by his Arsenal's side performance against Sunderland
Mikel Arteta was far from pleased by his Arsenal's side performance against Sunderland
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That is the barrier Arsenal have to overcome. They have to come out of the international break with a real show of intent. They have got the North London derby followed by Bayern Munich in the Champions League and then a trip to Chelsea.
That is one hell of a test for Arsenal. If they can win all three - or maybe a draw with Bayern sandwiched in between two wins - then we will know all about Arsenal and their mentality.
Those are the standards set and established by City. That is what sets them apart and makes them such formidable title rivals.
If Arsenal win the title this season, they will have earned it. They do not have a right to win it even though some of their fans on social media have a terrible look of entitlement about them.
City know what it takes and no-one should be in the least bit surprised that they can push all the way this season.
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