Pep Guardiola has been delighted with Manchester City’s start to the season but reminded his players that they are still behind leaders Arsenal.
The arrival of Erling Haaland and his incredible record of 19 goals in just 12 appearances has added to a feeling that the Premier League champions are unstoppable. But despite drawing just two games in the Premier League and Champions League all season, the City boss says they haven’t been as good as Arsenal and that the title race is far from over.
“Every year we were a little bit better in some terms, but it’s just eight games of the Premier League season,” he told a news conference. “The important thing is in the Premier League and in the Champions League in this period we are in a dream position – we have one [win] left to qualify [for the last 16 in Europe] and we have to fight, I think against Borussia Dortmund, to finish first and it’s important to.
“And in the Premier League it’s being there. We cannot forget one thing, ladies and gentlemen, there is one team that has been better than us. This is a reality. In reality, Arsenal have been better than us so far. We’re not top of the league but the important thing is to be there and try to fight.”
Read Also: Guardiola rallies Man City against Villa
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp were involved in a touchline fracas in November 2021
Manager Mikel Arteta says the turnaround at a “fractured” Arsenal is “a credit to everyone”.
Arteta came under pressure after a poor start to last season and his side went on to narrowly miss out on a Champions League place to Tottenham.
But they go into Sunday’s match against Liverpool top of the Premier League after seven wins from eight games.
“I’m really happy and proud for the change of dynamic and the atmosphere around the club,” said Arteta.