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Posted on February 11, 2026 8:45 pm | Updated on February 11, 2026 6:52 pm
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, recently gave a hint about his team’s weaknesses. He said City need to get better to keep up with Arsenal in the Premier League title race. This should make Arsenal fans nervous because it means City could become even stronger soon.
Guardiola’s Honest Words
In a press talk, Pep Guardiola did not hide his worries. He said the team played well in the first half against Liverpool but fell apart later. “If we behave in the second half like that happened, it will be so difficult,” he warned. He added that it would be boring to say everything was perfect at Anfield. Instead, he pointed out mistakes that could cost them games.
Pep Guardiola stressed that Manchester City must deserve their wins by playing better. He wants his players to fix problems fast. With a busy schedule, including the FA Cup, Carabao Cup final, and Champions League, he knows time is short. But he believes in his group’s potential.
The Missing Pieces in the Squad
Guardiola hinted at what is missing in his team. He called the squad young and new, with many players facing title pressure for the first time. “They are an incredible group of players and a lot of them are new and it is the first time experiencing the pressure to win the titles,” he said. This lack of experience needs time to fix, but City do not have much.
He also talked about knowing why the team plays good or bad. This “diagnosis” shows he has a plan to improve. Injuries and a packed calendar have hurt City this season. Stars like Erling Haaland put pressure on themselves to help, but the whole team must step up.
These missing pieces – like better teamwork, handling stress, and consistent play – are what Guardiola wants to add. Once done, City could chase down Arsenal hard.
🚨🗣️ Pep Guardiola: "All we can do is breathe on the neck of Arsenal… Being there. And try to, if they sleep, make something, use it." pic.twitter.com/wCaM7YA9aq
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) February 8, 2026
Recent Games and Standings
Manchester City are six points behind Arsenal after their 2-1 win at Liverpool. This closed the gap and kept them in the hunt. But Guardiola said, “We are six points behind… many things can happen.” He warned that 13 games left is a lot, with cups and injuries ahead.
City have struggled lately, like conceding three goals in a second half against another team. Their win over Liverpool was not easy – they needed luck with a deflection. Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, are doing well at the top. But City have come back from behind before, winning titles in 2023 and 2024 after trailing Arsenal.
Guardiola urged his team to stay focused. “Six points is a lot,” he said, but he does not want City thinking about Arsenal dropping points. Instead, they must win their own games.
Why This Worries Arsenal
Arsenal should worry because Guardiola’s hints show City are close to clicking. With a lighter schedule after Fulham, City get time to train and fix issues. Guardiola said they need this break after months of hard games with few players.
If City sort out their missing pieces, like building experience and improving second halves, they could go on a winning run. Guardiola knows how to win titles – he has done it many times. He even joked that losing games makes people think City will “disappear from planet Earth.”
Arsenal have a strong lead, but history shows City can catch up. Arteta, who worked under Guardiola, knows this too.
Looking Ahead in the Title Race
For Arsenal, staying consistent is key. But Guardiola’s words are a reminder: Do not count City out. A lot can happen, and if City find their missing pieces, the title could slip away again.
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