Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has made his position on Arsenal against Liverpool and the Premier League title race clear after the Gunners did not take advantage of his side's slip up
14:19, 09 Jan 2026
Pep Guardiola press conference
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Pep Guardiola was asked about Arsenal's draw with Liverpool(Image: Mike Egerton/PA Wire)
Pep Guardiola did not even watch Arsenal vs Liverpool, insisting he is thinking little about Manchester City's title rivals. The Gunners failed to claim three points against the Reds, and thus failed to take advantage of City's draw against Brighton.
Guardiola conceded it is a positive that Arsenal dropped points but noted it counts for little if his side do not get back to winning ways. The Citizens have drawn three consecutive matches after stalemates against Sunderland and Chelsea ahead of facing the Seagulls.
Arsenal hold a six-point advantage over City as they target their first title in more than 20 years. Guardiola's teams have developed a reputation for going on extraordinary winning runs to clinch Premier League success, but the Catalan coach reckons his squad must continue to grow to establish themselves as contenders.
"I didn't watch them," Guardiola said on Arsenal and Liverpool's 0-0 draw. He then admitted: "It is better when they drop points, but if we make that analysis, it is better to think about ourselves.
"It would be a mistake to think about them. We have always found a way to win games. We draw the last three but we are not questioning the process. But we will find a way.
"When we draw a game it is fair, lose it is fair because we have to do better. It is better to be six than eight points but we have to win games to be contenders. Everything is open.
"What I said in the past, it is a process to grow as a team. Many players have never played a final. I am so optimistic and happy that there are many things we are doing really well."
Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel and Piero Hincapie of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Liverpool
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Arsenal could not score against Liverpool
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was left frustrated that the Gunners didn't extend their lead, but had praise for his players following an intense festive period.
The Spaniard believes the north Londoners have overcome several issues in recent weeks and earned their strong position despite a spate of injury issues.
Asked if the draw with Liverpool was a blow, Arteta said: "Yeah, every time you don't win.
"But then we would have been 12, 15 or 20 points ahead. I have to really praise the team and the players individually for what they've done in this Christmas period. Because the demands and the schedule, it's unbelievable.
"And what they've done, I think, is remarkable. So to come out of this period with all the issues that we had, in the position that we are, in our strong position that we are, I think the boys deserve my credit and everybody's recognition."
Arteta went on to explain what he is most proud of. "The desire they have to win and the consistency that they are showing," he said.
"With the schedule that we have in front of us and the situation that we have to deal with. I think what they're doing is remarkable.
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"We want to continue to improve and learn and every game is an opportunity to do that. So tonight as well against the actual champions, let's not forget that.
"They are an incredible team and today we have to reflect on that. Tomorrow we go again because we have another game on Sunday."