Pep Guardiola has stunned the football world by crowning Arsenal as the best team on the planet – just as Manchester City fight to close a seven-point gap in the Premier League title race.
The City manager delivered the glowing endorsement ahead of his side’s clash with rock-bottom Wolves, admitting his team must improve and pray for an Arsenal slip-up.
“They are the best team in the world right now,” Guardiola declared. “We have to get better and hope they can give us one chance to catch them.”
City’s form has dipped dramatically, winless in their last four league games and reeling from a shock Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt.
But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains cautious, brushing off the praise and warning his players against complacency.
“We are far from perfect,” Arteta said. “You don’t have to go back to the history of that club in the last ten years and what they are capable of doing. We know what we have to do to win this Premier League.”
The Gunners, fresh from a gruelling run of four away games across multiple competitions, host Manchester United this weekend in a blockbuster Emirates showdown.
Guardiola, hampered by an injury crisis that saw 11 players unavailable midweek, blamed fatigue and lack of rotation for City’s struggles.
“I know 100 per cent what’s happening with the team. They are fatigued – we cannot play European games every three days,” he explained.
Boost for City: New signings Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo are available, while Bernardo Silva returns from suspension.
“When we arrive in February or March and I have the team back, I swear we will be there,” Guardiola vowed. “Give me my squad back and we’ll see what happens. I have an extraordinary team – no doubts.”
With City’s proven track record of late surges – overhauling Arsenal in 2022-23 and 2023-24 – the Premier League title race is set for more twists.
Can Guardiola’s men mount another comeback? Or will Arteta’s Arsenal finally claim the crown?
