FOOTBALL
By Piyush Wankhede
Posted on February 12, 2026 10:45 pm | Updated on February 12, 2026 10:32 pm
Pep Guardiola the boss of Manchester City, admitted something fans of Arsenal had long believed. Arsenal Football club are leading the charge for the Premier league trophy. Following a last-minute victory at Anfield, cutting the difference with Gunners to just six points. He stated plainly that the advantage now lies with Arsenal. It is theirs to let slip, he said, hinting that momentum has shifted despite his team’s fight. The words came across not as surrender but recognition. Arsenal have earned this advantage through steady play and sharper decisions on the pitch. Their place on top of the standings feels solid, built over months of quiet reliability rather than flash.
🚨 BREAKING: Pep Guardiola on Arsenal winning the league this season:
🗣️ “25 years without winning it, that must be the reason for their motivation. Think it’s finally their time.” pic.twitter.com/6AOuR6TgVy
— Satirical Footy ∞ ™ (@SatiricalFooty) January 23, 2026
That late win at Liverpool did not make him over confident. When he was questioned on the gap to Arsenal, Pep Guardiola pointed out it’s six points with plenty matches still to play for. Thirteen matches left means room for shifts, he noted quietly. Staying close matters more now than leading from ahead. His team must push without rushing, ready if others get broken by pressure. For once, they follow instead of lead. Chasing feels different as it is closer, tenser, less in control. The usual rhythm has changed, and he knows it.
He didn’t say it directly, However his words quietly confirm how steady Arsenal have been by standing tall in the league so far. Even though he’s lifted the title several times before and pulled off many turn arounds near season’s end, saying his team trails behind – while still claiming hope remains – shows just how strong Arsenal look today. Though injury setbacks, packed match schedules, plus pressure from cups and Europe might shift things fast, he made clear that right now, others must chase them.
Arsenal’s Current Position, City’s Strategy?
Top spot in the league suits Arsenal well. Their mix of smart play, fresh legs through the week, because of Arteta’s steady hand, makes them tough to beat. Not like before, when nerves seemed to creep in during tight stretches. Now this group holds very firm, finding ways to win even on off days since belief runs deep now. Facing aggressive teams or parked buses alike, they shift shape without panic while staying ready to grab chances and then the space opens up somehow. That calm flexibility carved out a gap over City, who keep chasing the Premier League title race with 6 points less than Arsenal. When Pep Guardiola said it’s theirs to let go, he wasn’t handing over anything. He was just naming what everyone is able to see. Pressure shifts where doubt could grow if results dip slightly
Right now, Manchester City know exactly what they need. If Arsenal stumbles even once, City must be ready to take advantage without waiting for it to happen. Pep Guardiola keeps saying each match has to be won, because at this point, tiny differences decide everything especially in the mind. Instead of watching rivals, they are sticking to their schedule and also ignoring outside noise. Slow pressure builds up; someone might crack before the finish line.
Saturday match will be very important. If City beat Arsenal, the points difference narrows fast while confidence swings their way. Rather than chasing instant leads, Pep Guardiola focuses on steady pressure. His approach shaped by how seasons truly unfold near the end.
🚨👀#Guardiola: “when he started with Arsenal, the first season was tough. It was normal, he had to change many things.
People started to criticise him, I said the same opinion that I have right now – he will have success. He’s a top manager. I know him, I’ve been with him.”#afc pic.twitter.com/S07FetFFYd
— AFCtrey (@afct_rey) January 7, 2026
Conclusion
Pep Guardiola has given his opinion about the title race. In this case, he has also Accepted that the Gunners have got an advantage because of their top play this season.
He wishes them the best. However, he hopes that his team may make a come back if Arsenal break down under the title race pressure. It will be interesting to see how this goes. Will Arsenal win the league? Will Guardiola’s team make a comeback?
Share your opinion in the comments below.
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