EPL: Arsenal ‘are back’ as major force – Guardiola

Pep Guardiola acknowledges Arsenal’s resurgence, marking their return as long-term Premier League title contenders ahead of Manchester City’s crucial match at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Currently in third place, Arsenal trails league leaders City by just a single point, adding significant weight to this weekend’s highly anticipated encounter in the early stages of the title race.

In the previous season, Arsenal held the lead for extended periods before stumbling in the final weeks, allowing City to clinch their third consecutive title and complete a historic trophy treble.

However, City’s manager, Guardiola, has been impressed by Arsenal’s revival under his former assistant Mikel Arteta, foreseeing them as formidable challengers in the coming years.

Reflecting on Arsenal’s resurgence, Guardiola stated, “They were the biggest rival last season, and just like in the past, they have reemerged and are here to stay as significant contenders for a long period.”

As City heads to north London, they seek to rebound after a surprising defeat to Wolves last weekend, which halted their six-game winning streak in the league. Guardiola stressed that the outcome of Sunday’s high-profile clash won’t be decisive given its early stage 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 present a formidable challenge despite their poor recent record against his team.

“Absolutely (they will be title rivals), along with Liverpool,” Guardiola said.

“To analyse contenders, the idea is the first 10 games. We haven’t played 10. We have to wait but big clubs are always contenders.

“Arsenal is back. When I was a young boy and starting as a manager at Barcelona I know they fought Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United team.

“Then for many years they were not there but now they’re back.

“It’s a contender, yes, and when you see in the calendar it says you go to the Emirates (you know) it’s a tougher one.”

While City have domestic supremacy on their agenda once again, Guardiola said the main priority at this stage is qualifying for the Champions League knockout stages, which start in February.

The Champions League holders have won their opening two games in the competition to top Group G.

“We made an incredible step forward in the Champions League,” he said.

“What I want is to arrive here in February when we start the Champions League to be in the competitions and that it’s close.

“To be close to the top of the league and keep the distance short and make the last 10 games in our competition ‘OK let’s do it again’.”