Pep Guardiola warns Man City’s title dream will be over if they lose to Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City ’s Premier League title aspirations will be over should they suffer defeat against Arsenal in Sunday’s pivotal encounter between the league’s top two sides. Arsenal’s nine-point advantage was trimmed to six last weekend after their unexpected home loss to Bournemouth, followed by City’s emphatic victory at Chelsea. Crucially, Guardiola’s team also holds a game in hand.

City previously overcame Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final last month, though Guardiola stressed that the Gunners, who have reached the Champions League semi-finals without a single defeat, cannot be underestimated. The Spanish manager indicated that while an Arsenal win at the Etihad Stadium this weekend would effectively end City’s title challenge, he believes there could still be numerous twists and turns in the race for silverware. "Obviously, if we lose it’s over," Guardiola stated.

"But there is still games to play. The reality is there are seven games left for us in the Premier League and that is the decisive moment. " City cut Arsenal’s lead at the top by beating Chelsea last weekend (Reuters) He continued, acknowledging Arsenal’s strength: "Maybe they are not at their best, but they are the only English team in the Champions League and they have been the best so far.

We want to challenge them. " Guardiola emphasised the need for focus, adding: "I said today to the players, it is just a football game and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus.