Manager predicts Arsenal will make adjustments after their Carabao Cup final defeat and says his side must be ready
Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes will be “over” if they lose to Arsenal on Sunday.
The two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium with City six points behind the league leaders, although Guardiola’s team have a game in hand. A win for Arsenal would significantly strengthen their position at the top.
“If we lose, it’s over,” Guardiola said. “They are so strong in all departments. Duels, physicality, if you allow them to make a good process by not being aggressive, they make a good buildup. [David] Raya is extraordinary. It’s not necessary to talk about set pieces.
“That’s why they are who they are. Top of the Premier League all season, and that’s why I’m proud to be there and challenging them.”
A victory for City would cut the gap to three points, and they could move top of the table if they then beat Burnley in midweek. However, Guardiola warned that even with a win over Arsenal, the title race would remain open due to a difficult run-in.
“Our calendar is terrible with Everton away and Bournemouth away and Aston Villa the last one at home,” Guardiola said.
“Burnley and Crystal Palace and Brentford at home. Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in Europe, so there are still many things to do.”
City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final in March. Guardiola expects Mikel Arteta to adjust his approach following that defeat.
“If we play like we did for 95 minutes [at Wembley] and they do what they did, we are going to win,” Guardiola said. “But football is unpredictable. I know Mikel a little. They are going to adjust something, and we have to be prepared.”
