Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a characteristically blunt assessment of the Premier League title race ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with leaders Arsenal.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Guardiola addressed the high stakes of the Etihad Stadium encounter.
“If we lose, I will shake hands with Mikel Arteta and I will pray Arsenal lose the next five games to be champions… but I think it’s not going to happen. So, try to win our game today,” Guardiola said.
The comments come as Manchester City trail Arsenal in the 2025-26 Premier League table. A defeat on Sunday would effectively end City’s title hopes, according to the manager, leaving them reliant on Arsenal slipping up in their remaining fixtures.
Guardiola stressed the need for his side to focus entirely on securing three points in the derby-style showdown rather than hoping for favours elsewhere.
City remain confident in their ability to perform but recognise the fine margins at this stage of the season. The Spaniard’s remarks highlight both the respect for rival manager Mikel Arteta and the ruthless competitive edge required in the closing weeks of the campaign.
No further speculation on the title race is expected from Guardiola until after the match. All attention is now on delivering a strong performance against Arsenal this afternoon.
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