The title race is tilted in favor of Manchester City.
The manager of Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has asked the fans of the club to respect Arsenal ahead of the meeting that could have a decision between the two teams in the fight for the title of the Premier League.
City capitalized on Arsenal’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday as they cruised to a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, reducing the Gunners’ deficit to six points. Nico O’Reilly opened the scoring with a header, before Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku secured the win.
Although Arsenal still hold the chance, City have a game in hand against Mikel Arteta’s men and will face them at the Etihad Stadium next Sunday.
City beat Arsenal 2-0 in the EFL Cup final last month and the title race looks set to swing in Guardiola’s men’s favor ahead of the biggest game of the league season.
Guardiola urges Manchester City ‘respect’
The away fans who made the trip to Stamford Bridge jeered Mikel Arteta’s men in the second half, with one fan holding a bottle with a picture of the Arsenal crest attached to it, as City fans relished the prospect that the leaders could “put on” another title run.
Guardiola, however, urged fans not to get carried away.
“We will play against a team that has lost three games in 49 games, in the Champions League they have not lost once,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“In the Carabao Cup final, City were the villains – nobody in this country would bet £1 that we’d be much better. Maybe now it’s a bit different.
“The respect I have for Arsenal, what they have done in the last few years. I know the manger, the players, the quality, how they compete in every situation, that is the big job we have. There is a tactical issue, maybe we will fix something.
“They have been the best team in the country, in Europe, so far, beating Arsenal once is very difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks. We have to rest.
“I like to say to my fans – respect Arsenal a lot, they are an extraordinary team. Come and join us from the first minute because the players will do their best.”
Rayan Cherki also had an impact for City, with his cross from the right wing O’Reilly in the first half of the game in the 51st minute, before his ball found Guehi following the path of the short corner, the defender turning to finish with the striker’s free.
Asked about Cherki, Guardiola replied: “Rayan is an amazing talent – the second goal, a pass from Marc. The problem with Rayan is sometimes he plays too close to him. [goalkeeper Gianluigi] Donnarumma, your talent should be in the final third. Be close [Erling] Haaland, is close to the wings.
“We will bring you the ball, you don’t need to go down [the pitch]. He is so young, his impact in the Premier League in the first season… he is still an amazing player. He has a desire to be even better. That will be good for City and for him.”
“I’m always happy when you win on the road in stadiums like Stamford Bridge, the fans are happy, we’re very happy.
“The second half was much better – the first half wasn’t bad, but some players weren’t where they needed to be. We attacked on the left side, but the right side attacked without threatening. The second half was better from both sides.”
