Guardiola also said he’ll rather be 8 points ahead of Arsenal than count on his experience of winning four EPL titles in five years
By Kehinde Okeowo
Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has insisted that the English Premier League (EPL) leaders, Arsenal are the favorites to win the league this season because they are unlikely to drop a lot of points in the remaining 10 games.
He also said that Man City’s experience of winning four out of the last five EPL titles counts absolutely for nothing, given that the Gunners are in the driving seat.
Arteta’s men currently sit eight points above the Citizens in the title race, although the league champions have a game in hand over the north London club.
Manchester City will battle Liverpool, who are currently 6th on the league table and battling for a Champions League place in the early kick-off on Saturday.
The Gunners, on the other hand, host relegation-battling Leeds United at the Emirates Stadium later in the day.
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However, Guardiola, while speaking during his pre-match press conference, appeared to be suggesting that the title race is over with 10 games to be played.
The Spaniard also warned his players that Arsenal will be completely focused on the title race now.
He said: “I would love to be in the position of Arsenal, rather than have the experience of winning four Premier Leagues in five years.
“The advantage is that they are eight points in front of us, this is the real advantage. The past is the past, experience doesn’t count. Absolutely nothing.”
“When asked if he felt Mikel Arteta’s side may struggle to cope with the pressure in the title race, Guardiola said: “I don’t think so, I don’t believe in that.
“I have the feeling they won’t drop that many points”.