Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says upcoming clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal is de facto 'final'

It was not so long ago that Arsenal's march towards the Premier League title had begun to seem somewhat more like a procession, but the relentless form of defending champions Manchester City mean that the title race is not over yet. City's six-match Premier League winning streak has winnowed down Arsenal's lead to just three points. Ad With a clash between the leaders and their dogged pursuers coming up on April 26, the league remains very much still up for grabs.

Champions LeagueGuardiola wary of 'Bayern mentality', Tuchel says he 'fell in love' with his side11/04/2023 AT 22:16 City boss Pep Guardiola was speaking to the press in the aftermath of an important win over Leicester City, and suggested the Arsenal match will be a de facto Premier League decider. The Foxes were swept aside 3-1 by the champions, but Pep still considered it a significant performance. He told the press: «What you have to do is be there.

It's important to us winning today for the final that we have against them in the next Premier League game.» City are still competing on multiple fronts and have commitments in both the Champions League and FA Cup to complete before their next league match, against the Gunners. Despite those important matches coming first on the calendar, Guardiola admitted to having at least one eye on the Arsenal match. He said: «I would say it's a final to play more finals because if you lose this game it will be almost over.

It's important to arrive in this position. We spoke a month ago that hopefully we can arrive at Arsenal having the chance to be close to them. »We want this opportunity knowing how difficult it will be, but before then we have the Champions League semi final and FA Cup semi-final." Mikel Arteta's side