Man City must beat Arsenal or title race is over — Guardiola

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal as decisive, warning that defeat would end his side’s title hopes.

City trail Arsenal by six points with a game in hand. Victory in their next two matches would draw them level, tightening the race as the season enters its final stretch.

Guardiola said: “Yes, obviously. If we lose, it is over.”

Despite the stakes, the City manager maintained belief within his squad.

He said: “If you could buy confidence in a supermarket, we would buy it immediately. It is one of the most important aspects. (Our confidence) is good.

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“We are ready.”

He added that recent results have revived their push.

Guardiola said: “A month ago, because we dropped points in moments, I thought we would not be here.

(But) we saw the calendar and said, ‘OK, we play Arsenal at home for a chance.

“It is six points.

“It is not a short distance, but we have a chance to do it.’

“That is the situation we are in.

“It depends on our behaviour, and everything will be said on Sunday.

“Our fans have sold out.

“Everything is perfect to play a game.”

City head into the fixture on a strong run, including a League Cup final win over Arsenal and a heavy FA Cup victory against Liverpool.

“They have also remained unbeaten in the league since mid-January.

Guardiola said: “If we play like the second half (of the League Cup final) during 95 minutes and they play like the second half, we are going to win.

“Well, maybe not, because football is unpredictable.”

He also pointed to tactical adjustments from Arsenal.

Guardiola said: “I know Mikel. They are going to adjust something, and we have to prepare to do it.

“In the end, it is more simple.

“It is how your players individually win the me-against-you.”

The City manager acknowledged areas for improvement despite recent wins.

He said: “We need to get even better.

“The first half against Chelsea was not bad but not great.

“The first 30 minutes against Liverpool was not good either.

“The first 30 minutes against Arsenal in the final, they were better.

“You cannot pretend that these kind of teams will be90 or 95 minutes perfect, but this one aspect is not about the future, present or past, it’s about confidence, which is an incredible aspect.”

On whether City are underdogs, Guardiola dismissed the label.

He said: “I understand your message, but maybe we’re not.

“They have been the best so far, but we want to challenge them.”     

He added: “I said today to the players, it is just a football game, and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus.”

Guardiola said City remain proud to still be competing at the top.

said: “We will see what happens.

“But it is never over until it’s over, and we are still here.

“I am proud to be there, still challenging them.”

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