“They Have Been Better Than Us” – Guardiola Praises Arsenal

Pep Guardiola has praised Manchester City’s start to the season, but has reminded his players that they are still behind league leaders Arsenal.

Despite Haaland’s form, the Gunners lead the championship race. Champions hoping to maintain the pressure, European performance has been perfect.

WHAT HAS TAKEN PLACE?

Erling Haaland’s 19 goals in 12 games have made the Premier League champions seem unbeatable.

City manager Pep Guardiola says his squad hasn’t been as good as Arsenal and that the title race isn’t over.

WHAT THEY SAID: “Every year, we were a little bit better in certain ways, but it’s just the first eight games of the Premier League season,” he said during a press conference.

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“The key thing is that we are in a fantastic situation in the Premier League and the Champions League at the moment – we have one [win] left to qualify [for the last 16 in Europe] and we have to battle, I believe against Borussia Dortmund, to finish first, and it’s vital.”

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“And it’s being there in the Premier League.” We must not forget, ladies and gentlemen, that there is one squad that has performed better than us. This is a fact.

In actuality, Arsenal has outperformed us so far. We’re not at the top of the league, but the main thing is that we’re there and fighting.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE: A victory over Copenhagen on Tuesday would ensure Champions League qualifying.

This will allow Guardiola to concentrate only on the Premier League before the World Cup break in November

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR GUARDIOLA? City will go top if they beat Southampton on Saturday, ahead of Arsenal’s difficult match against Liverpool the following day.