Pep Guardiola says Manchester City are prepared for a ‘big, big battle’ when his side face Arsenal in the Premier League this week.
City travel to face Arsenal in a huge showdown on Wednesday evening, knowing a win will lift them above the table-topping Gunners on goal difference.
Guardiola’s side closed the gap on Arsenal with a 3-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend and can move top tomorrow evening, after the north Londoners dropped points at home to Brentford. Ahead of the clash, Guardiola was asked on the ‘psychological importance’ of the game.
“Of course it is important because we can take the points against the best team in the league, but after it is Nottingham Forest, then the Champions League,” he said at his pre-match press conference.
“Many things can happen. The target is to be there in the last eight to ten games. Tomorrow will help us to be there [if we win].”
It will be the first league meeting between the Premier League’s top two this season, though City edged a narrow FA Cup contest 1-0 against Arsenal last month.
Guardiola believes Arsenal are ‘the best team in the league at the moment’ and says his side must be prepared for a ‘big battle’ at the Emirates.
“We felt it in the FA Cup. They are the best team in the league at the moment. They are committed, sharp and everything. It’ll be a big, big battle. We’ll have to be ready.”
City produced an impressive first-half performance to beat Aston Villa at the Etihad on Sunday, but Guardiola insisted that one result does not necessarily indicate a return to form.
“I don’t believe that one week ago we are out of form and now we are back. Every game is different. You can play well and win, everything is perfect, tomorrow you can lose and everything is not good. Many games to play, points to play for. Tomorrow is important, everyone knows it. We have to play well.”
