Arsenal ‘are back’ as major force, says Man City boss Guardiola

Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola attends a press conference at Manchester City training ground in Manchester, north-west England on September 18, 2023, ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group G football match against Red Star Belgrade. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)

Pep Guardiola says Arsenal “are back” as long-term Premier League title rivals ahead of Manchester City’s heavyweight clash at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Third placed Arsenal are just one point behind leaders City, making this weekend’s showdown a significant moment in the nascent stages of the title race.

The Gunners led the way for long periods of last season before faltering in the final weeks, allowing City to claim their third straight title, which was part of a historic trophy treble.

But City boss Guardiola has been impressed with Arsenal’s revival under his former assistant Mikel Arteta and expects them to be serious challengers for years to come.

“They were the biggest rival last season like in the past they were not there — they already arrived and will stay there for a long time,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

City head to north London looking to bounce back after the champions’ run of six straight league wins ended with a shock defeat at Wolves last weekend.

Guardiola insists the result of Sunday’s blockbuster clash would not be decisive as it comes so early in the season.

“This will not define a lot,” he said. “It will be different when they come here at the Etihad — then it will depend on the situations we are in.

“We know where we came from with the treble. And after that the tendency is to go down.

“We can play better or worse, but in general in the training sessions the focus is there.”

The City boss knows Arteta’s side will