“If we play that way,” Pep Guardiola makes Arsenal double match prediction after comeback win vs Spurs

“If we play that way,” Pep Guardiola makes Arsenal double match prediction after comeback win vs Spurs

Arsenal will “destroy” Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Premier League title race if they do not improve their recent play, despite a stirring second-half comeback to defeat Tottenham Hotspur 4-2 on Thursday.

Dejan Kulusevski and Emerson Royal scored just before halftime to give the visitors a two-goal lead at the Etihad Stadium, putting City in danger of suffering a second consecutive loss.

After the break, however, Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, and Riyad Mahrez scored three goals in 12 minutes to give City the victory, with Mahrez capping a thrilling comeback with his second goal.

The victory allowed City to close to within five points of league-leading Arsenal, although the Gunners have a game in hand.

Guardiola criticized his players for resting on their laurels after winning four league titles in five years. City and Arsenal still face each other twice in the league this season.

“We cannot deny how happy we are but we are far away from the team that we were,” said Guardiola.

“I want a reaction from all the club, not just the players. We are a happy flowers organisation. I don’t want to be, I want to beat Arsenal. If we play that way, Arsenal will destroy us.”

Guardiola relegated midfield stalwarts Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva to the bench and replaced them with Argentine World Cup champion Alvarez and prolific Norwegian Haaland in a two-man attack.

Tottenham have made a habit of having to come from behind after slow starts this season, but the roles were reversed as a third league defeat in four games left Antonio Conte’s team five points behind the top four.

Spurs’ halftime lead was largely due to uncharacteristic City errors.

“If we play that way,” Pep Guardiola makes Arsenal double match prediction after comeback win vs Spurs