Pep Guardiola has dropped hint on advantage Man City have over Arsenal in Premier League title race
The recent victory of Manchester City over Arsenal provided the strongest evidence this season of City’s potential to win the title.
After conceding a penalty to Bukayo Saka just before half-time, the match was evenly poised. Although the second half was fairly even until the final thirty minutes, Pep Guardiola’s decision to replace Riyad Mahrez with Manuel Akanji allowed City to return to their familiar back four, which had previously been successful.
With Nathan Ake playing at left-back instead of Bernardo Silva, Saka’s influence was curtailed, and City began to dominate the match.
A win that was well-deserved, despite possession statistics indicating otherwise, was secured by the goals scored by Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland in the last 20 minutes. Prior to their match against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, Guardiola emphasized the crucial advantage that City has over the Gunners, which has been overlooked at times throughout the season.
“We have been many years here, Manu arrive lately but when you are in the locker room you see things quickly,” he explained. “It’s not necessary sometimes to tell them how we’re doing, they know exactly who we are.
“They know they have to do better if they want to compete at the highest level this season. They talk to each other in the canteen and say they need to be better and it’s good because in the end they play.
“They’re the artists who work on the pitch, I can’t be involved in that.”
Experience is an invaluable asset in the race for the Premier League title, as Guardiola emphasized in his press conference. City’s squad, with the exception of a few new players, have already been through it and have the necessary experience, which contrasts sharply with Arsenal’s relatively inexperienced squad, despite the recent additions of Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jorginho.
Although Arsenal may still be considered favorites for the title, the race is far from over. City’s players are confident in their ability to handle the critical moments that will determine the season’s outcome. On the other hand, Arsenal’s players are currently struggling, and facing Aston Villa in front of a hostile crowd is the last thing they need.
City now has the opportunity to widen the gap with Arsenal if they continue to falter, but if they regain their footing, Guardiola will call upon his experienced players to lead the way to the finish line.
Pep Guardiola has dropped hint on advantage Man City have over Arsenal in Premier League title race
