Pep's mind games or true admiration: "Arsenal are the best team in England and Europe"
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 13.04.26. | 11:51
Even though the Gunners are seriously struggling, the Man City boss still insists they are the favourites to win the Premier League title, thus both praising them and putting pressure on them
The Premier League title race is getting as heated as it gets!
After Arsenal's latest home defeat to Bournemouth and Manchester City's win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, the gap between the Gunners and the Cityzens is only six points, with the second-placed side having a game in hand.
Hence, a direct duel between City and Arsenal next Sunday at Etihad Stadium could potentially decide the EPL title race and tip the balance.
Nevertheless, even though the Gunners have been seriously struggling lately, the Cityzens' boss Pep Guardiola has been full of praise for them, claiming the race will be over if his side doesn't win the derby.
"We have done a good three games, but the best team in England is Arsenal and the best team in Europe is Arsenal."
🚨🗣️ Pep Guardiola: "Arsenal have been the BEST team in this country, in Europe, so far."
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) April 12, 2026
"Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them TWICE in a few weeks. I would like to say to our fans, respect Arsenal a lot!" pic.twitter.com/xXnLSCxmAk
"If they beat us it's over, if we draw also," the Spaniard said via BBC.
A complicating factor for Mikel Arteta's crew could be the fact that they'll play the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Sporting Lisbon four days before the duel against City.
Regardless, Guardiola stated he'd like to be in Arsenal's position (still alive in the UCL), but admitted that his team is not an underdog in Sunday's clash.
"[Did] one person in this room bet for us in the Carabao Cup final? £1? Not even one bet for us."
🔴⚪ Pep Guardiola believes the psychological dynamic has changed since Man City beat Arsenal to win the Carabao cup final in March 😳:
— Goaldata - Arsenal Zone (@ArsenalZNE) April 12, 2026
"We were underdogs, and that was perfect. Now it’s different and we have to know that." pic.twitter.com/4Ak5uv3Cja
"We were underdogs and that was perfect. Now it's different and that is a mindset we have to work [with]," Pep said.
A true admiration or putting additional pressure on Arteta and his men? A fellow manager's kind words or Guardiola's mind games?
Judge for yourselves.
ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 32
Friday
West Ham - Wolverhampton 4-0 (1-0)
/Mavropanos 42, 83, Castellanos 66, 68/
Saturday
Arsenal - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-1)
/Gyokeres 35 pen - Kroupi 17, Scott 74/
Brentford - Everton 2-2 (1-1)
/Thiago 3 pen, 76 - Beto 26, Dewsburry-Hall 90+1/
Burnley - Brighton 0-2 (0-1)
/Wieffer 43, 89/
Liverpool - Fulham 2-0 (2-0)
/Ngumoha 36, Salah 40/
Sunday
Crystal Palace - Newcastle 2-1 (0-1)
/Mateta 80, 90+4 pen - Osula 43/
Nottingham Forest - Aston Villa 1-1 (1-1)
/Williams 38 - Murillo 23 og/
Sunderland - Tottenham 1-0 (0-0)
/Mukiele 61/
Chelsea - Manchester City 0-3 (0-0)
/O'Reilly 51, Guehi 57, Doku 68/
Monday
22.00: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.10) Leeds (5.10)
***odds are subject to change***