Pep Guardiola ‘can’t deny how important’ Manchester City v Arsenal Premier League title clash is

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that he “cannot deny how important” the top-of-the-table clash with Arsenal is in the Premier League title race.

The two clubs are separated by five points with City in the unfamiliar position of second place after Mikel Arteta’s club impressed in the early stages of the season.

However, City have two games in hand and the two play in the Premier League on Wednesday night in a match that could go a long way to deciding who wins the 2022/23 title.

The Spaniard told a press conference: “It is really important, not decisive, because there are still many tough games for both sides. We have more games to play, but we cannot deny how important it is.

“I think Mikel brought them another dimension. The fact is they are huge competitors in all senses. They are so aggressive, they were able to go to Anfield a few weeks ago, and a team [Liverpool], maybe the best in the last years for winning the second balls, long balls, second balls, transitions – Arsenal were better.

“So in terms of winning duels, they were better – especially in that part of the game. So, yeah, they control all the aspects and we felt it. It is not… I did not say anything new. In the two games we have played this season, we felt it.”

Discussing his former assistant coach, Arteta, he added: “So I had the feeling that Mikel changed the structure of the club, the mentality of the club – not just 4-3-3, 4-2-3, this build-up, long balls or whatever.

“So a lot of decisions, changed a lot of players, and with incredible support – I guess from outside, I did not speak about this with him – support from the hierarchy of the club. That is why the success is there.”