EKO HIOT BLOG reports that Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has acknowledged that their upcoming Premier League fixture against Arsenal on Wednesday will be a challenging game.
The reigning champions will host Mikel Arteta’s team, who currently sit five points behind them in the table, although Arsenal have played one game fewer.
Guardiola praised Arsenal’s fighting spirit and speed ahead of the top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad. He pointed out their impressive performance at Anfield, where they won second balls and played long balls with precision, adding that Arsenal were better than Liverpool for a significant portion of that match.
The Spanish manager also acknowledged that his team had experienced the difficulty of playing against Arsenal this season, having faced them twice already. He emphasized the need to challenge Arsenal’s speed, intensity, and quality, in order to secure a positive result against them.
“I don’t say anything new, we’ve felt it in the two games we played against them this season. You have to challenge them in those terms or with their speed and intensity, their quality, it’s difficult,” Guardiola said.
Manchester City are currently in second place in the Premier League table, five points behind their cross-town rivals Manchester United, but with a game in hand. The reigning champions have won their last 10 league games, scoring 29 goals and conceding just four in the process.
Guardiola’s side will be hoping to continue their winning run and close the gap on their rivals when they face Arsenal on Wednesday. However, the Spaniard’s comments suggest that he is well aware of the threat that Arsenal pose and will be approaching the game with caution.
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