Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola only had kind words to describe the massive improvement shown by Arsenal this season.
Follow Us
Arsenal face Manchester City in what could very well turn out to be a potential title decider on Wednesday night in the Premier League. The Gunners still lead the table, however, the points gap has been massively cut down in recent games. With the match also taking place at the Etihad Stadium, Man City will undoubtedly be the favourites to get the maximum points. There are not many games left to play after this encounter, hence, every point counts for both teams till the end of the season.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola only had kind words to describe the massive improvement shown by Arsenal this season. However, he is focused on his team’s own gameplay more than that of the visitors. “It’s an important game, we can get points and our biggest opponent cannot,” Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference, as per their club’s website. “But we have to focus on what we have to do. We’ve played two times this season and in the FA Cup and there (away at Arsenal in the league) they were really tight games and really difficult.”
Guardiola then went to explain how difficult a test it would be to take on Arsenal, as he specifically heaped praise on Mikel Arteta. “When you play against these teams they can control everything. I’ve said from a long time ago with Arsenal when with Arsene Wenger they always have the incredible details and care of the ball and who they select to play with the biggest quality and biggest skills. But Mikel has brought a new dimension. They are huge competitors in all senses, so aggressive,” he added.
Read More – EPL stats: Player duos who have created most chances for each other in 2022-23 Premier League season
“They went to Anfield a few weeks ago against a team who are maybe the second balls, long balls, Arsenal were better. In terms of winning duels they were better, especially that part of the game. They controlled all aspects and we felt it, I don’t say anything new. In the two games we played this season we felt it and we need to challenge them in those terms otherwise with the speed they have up front and the intensity they have in the long balls and second balls and quality they have in the build-up, always it’s difficult.”
Guardiola then spoke about what to expect from the game. He spoke about how playing perfect football is not possible, hence it is important to maintain high standards. “Perfection doesn’t exist in football. You cannot be perfect and win games,” he added. “We know like what happened against Bayern Munich and in the future against top teams – your standards must be so high. The way they play and how they’ve been so far, they demand to be really good. We know what we have to do to impose our game.”
