Premier League title race over if we lose to Arsenal – Man City Manager, Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has suggested that the Premier League title race could effectively be decided if Manchester City lose to Arsenal on Sunday.

The Gunners head into the Etihad Stadium with a six-point advantage over City, although the defending champions still have a game in hand over their rivals.

Momentum appears split ahead of the showdown, with City coming off a 3–0 win over Chelsea, while Arsenal suffered a home defeat to Bournemouth.

City also boast an impressive home record, remaining unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches at the Etihad since their opening-day loss to Tottenham, and scoring at least twice in most of those games. They are further boosted by a strong historical record against Arsenal at home, having not lost to them in the league there since 2015.

Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola was blunt about the stakes:

“Yes, obviously. If we lose, it is over,” he said.

“The other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t beat Bournemouth – we still have games to play. Six games is a lot and especially in our calendar.

“Everton away, Bournemouth away, Aston Villa the last game at home. Crystal Palace and Brentford. There are still many things to do.”

Arsenal have struggled in recent weeks, losing their last three domestic matches across competitions, and are looking to avoid a fourth straight defeat for the first time since 2018.

Guardiola also praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, crediting him with transforming the club since taking charge in 2019 and establishing them as serious title challengers in recent seasons.