Pep Guardiola warns Man City stars over Arsenal “mentality” showcased by Declan Rice

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned his players over the “mentality” of the Arsenal squad they are facing in the fight for the Premier League title. The dynamic of the title race shifted seismically this week after Arsenal – who had spent nearly 200 days at the summit of the table – dropped to second following Manchester City’s gritty 1-0 victory over Burnley on Wednesday night. Despite being level on points and goal difference, it is Manchester City’s superior attacking output throughout the season so far that has placed the destiny of the English top-flight trophy back in Guardiola’s hands.

However, the Catalan coach is refusing to allow complacency to seep into the Etihad Stadium dressing room, now pointing back to last weekend’s six-pointer to take note of the reaction within Arsenal’s leadership – and specifically Declan Rice . Why Pep loves Declan Rice’s never-say-die attitude Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports , Guardiola revealed how he ‘loved’ the “mentality” on show from Arsenal’s squad, particularly highlighted by Rice’s post-match message after he and his teammates fell to defeat the Etihad Stadium. “I love that.

I love that. That’s why Arsenal is there. I saw it and it shows what Declan Rice means.

That’s the Arsenal mentality, we’ve faced it in the Premier League these [past] seasons and in the Carabao Cup , how competitive they are,” said Guardiola. “Otherwise they can’t have done the season they have done in the Premier League being there and being unbeaten in the Champions League, as you have Mikel [Arteta] but also these type of players that follow the message. “And in the bad moments, they have the resilience [to say] we are there, we are there.