Pep Guardiola is fully aware of how important this weekend’s match will be in the title race
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Pep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City’s Premier League title aspirations will be over should they suffer defeat against Arsenal in Sunday’s pivotal encounter between the league’s top two sides.
Arsenal’s nine-point advantage was trimmed to six last weekend after their unexpected home loss to Bournemouth, followed by City’s emphatic victory at Chelsea. Crucially, Guardiola’s team also holds a game in hand.
City previously overcame Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month, though Guardiola stressed that the Gunners, who have reached the Champions League semi-finals without a single defeat, cannot be underestimated.
The Spanish manager indicated that while an Arsenal win at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would effectively end City’s title challenge, he believes there could still be numerous twists and turns in the race for silverware.
"Obviously, if we lose it’s over," Guardiola stated. "But there is still games to play. The reality is there are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment."
City cut Arsenal’s lead at the top by beating Chelsea last weekendopen image in gallery
City cut Arsenal’s lead at the top by beating Chelsea last weekend (Reuters)
He continued, acknowledging Arsenal’s strength: "Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League and they have been the best so far. We want to challenge them."
Guardiola emphasised the need for focus, adding: "I said today to the players, it is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. The target is to perform well and that is exactly what you got to do and all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal. The confidence is good, we are ready."
In terms of team news, Ruben Dias remains unavailable, but Nico O’Reilly, who had sparked injury concerns after limping off at Stamford Bridge with a hamstring issue, has been declared fit and will be available.
Arsenal, who are striving for their first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season, have faced criticism this season for perceived pragmatism over excitement and an alleged over-reliance on set-pieces.
Guardiola addressed these observations, remarking: "People are so demanding. From the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things. People what they want is to win and we’ll fight."
He also highlighted Arsenal’s unique motivation: "An aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight against is 22 years without winning the Premier League.
“They have something that makes them unique. I knew that feeling when we arrived here. I know how you feel that first win. That is something that we cannot play against. That’s why we have to focus on the way we have to play."
Nico O’Reilly is available for Sunday’s matchopen image in gallery
Nico O’Reilly is available for Sunday’s match (PA Wire)
City, boasting an impressive home record with only one loss in 15 league matches this season, ended Arsenal’s quadruple bid four weeks ago when O’Reilly’s double secured a 2-0 victory at Wembley. Guardiola, however, anticipates tactical adjustments from his former assistant and Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta.
"If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we are going to win," Guardiola added. "But I know Mikel a little, they are going to adjust something and we have to be prepared.
“Every year they are getting better and better. Last season Liverpool were incredible but the previous one and this season, Arsenal have been the biggest contender."