Pep Guardiola says he still finds lessons in watching Arsenal despite growing criticism of the league leaders’ style ahead of Sunday’s defining showdown with Manchester City.
The Gunners sit six points clear at the top of the Premier League and remain in contention for a European crown, with a UEFA Champions League semi-final against Atletico Madrid awaiting them.
Yet their approach under Mikel Arteta has drawn scrutiny, with 37 per cent of their 62 league goals coming from set-pieces and only two from open play in their last five matches.
Arsenal travel to the Etihad knowing that avoiding defeat would move them significantly closer to a first title in more than two decades.
Asked if he enjoys watching the London club, Guardiola said: “Yes. People are so demanding. From the media, supporters, everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot in many things.
“What people want is to win and we will fight. An aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight against is [Arsenal going] 22 years without winning the Premier League. They have something that makes them unique. I know that.
“I knew that feeling when we arrived here. For a long time we didn’t win the Premier League. Manuel [Pellegrini] and [Roberto] Mancini did it but for our era I would say, I know how you feel that first win.
“That is something that we cannot play against, that is why we have to focus on the way we have to play.”
Arsenal reopened the title race with a shock home loss to Bournemouth, while City responded with a statement victory at Chelsea. According to Opta, Arsenal’s title probability fell from 97 per cent to 87 per cent, while City’s rose from three per cent to 13 per cent.
The sides drew at Emirates Stadium earlier this season, but City claimed a psychological edge by beating Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to lift the Carabao Cup last month.
Guardiola insists the title race could effectively end if City lose. “It is good. We are ready. A month ago because we dropped points in moments I thought we would not be up. We saw the calendar and said ‘ok, we play Arsenal at home and 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.
“Of course, we respect them so much and the quality they have. I have no doubts about that, but it’s about how we approach tactically and mentally. That is all I am concerned about.”
