Guardiola gives reasons why clash with Arsenal should not be taken seriously

Man City manager Pep Guardiola has dropped a hint on why the Wednesday clash between his side and Arsenal may not be taken seriously.

The Gunners move into the game with three points ahead of Man City but that have not been in their best in their last two games with a defeat against Everton and another draw against Brentford last weekend.

Pundits and fans have looked forward to the Wednesday game but Guardiola has talked down the game.

While admitting that a win for his team will be an important victory, the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss said the game will not determine who wins the Premier League title.

Guardiola said: “We felt it in the FA Cup. They are the best team in the league at the moment. They are committed, sharp and everything. It’ll be a big, big battle. We’ll have to be ready.

“I don’t believe that one week ago we are out of form and now we are back. Every game is different. You can play well and win, everything is perfect, tomorrow you can lose and everything is not good. Many games to play, points to play for. Tomorrow is important, everyone knows it. We have to play well.

“Of course it is important because we can take the points against the best team in the league, but after it is Nottingham Forest, then the Champions League. Many things can happen. The target is to be there in the last eight to ten games. Tomorrow will help us to be there [if we win].”

On whether this is the best Arsenal team he has faced with Manchester City, Guardiola added: “Since I’m here, yeah, definitely.”