It’s Over! Guardiola reveals why Man City must defeat Arsenal this weekend

Manchester City are prepared to host Arsenal at the Etihad this weekend and Pep Guardiola believes his team must secure all three points to stay in the title race.

Arsenal currently lead the log with six-point after their shocking home loss to Bournemouth last weekend. City took advantage of the defeat by smashing Chelsea 3-0 at Stamford Bridge.

Guardiola has now conceded that City’s Premier League title aspirations will be over should if they fail to beat Arsenal.

City previously overcame Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month, but Guardiola stressed that the Gunners, who have reached the Champions League semi-finals without a single defeat, cannot be underestimated.

Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta will face off in a must win game for Arsenal and Manchester City (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“Obviously, if we lose it’s over,” Guardiola stated. “But there is still games to play. The reality is there are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment.”

He continued, acknowledging Arsenal’s strength: “Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League and they have been the best so far. We want to challenge them.”

Guardiola emphasised the need for focus, adding: “I said today to the players, it is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. The target is to perform well and that is exactly what you got to do and all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal. The confidence is good, we are ready.”

Arsenal are looking at winnin their first top-flight crown since the 2003-04 season. However, they’ve faced criticism this season for style of play and alleged over-reliance on set-pieces.

Guardiola addressed these observations, remarking: “People are so demanding. From the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things. People what they want is to win and we’ll fight.”

He also highlighted Arsenal’s unique motivation: “An aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight against is 22 years without winning the Premier League.

“They have something that makes them unique. I knew that feeling when we arrived here. I know how you feel that first win. That is something that we cannot play against. That’s why we have to focus on the way we have to play.”