Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a stark warning to his players, insisting they must avoid the "mistake" of fixating on their title rivals after Arsenal's goalless draw with Liverpool.
Guardiola's Focus on City's Own Form
The Catalan coach revealed he did not even watch the heavyweight clash at the Emirates Stadium, which ended 0-0, as he maintains his team's sole focus must be on their own performances. The result meant Arsenal missed a chance to extend their advantage at the Premier League summit after City were held by Brighton.
Guardiola acknowledged it is a bonus that the Gunners dropped points, but he was emphatic that it counts for nothing if his reigning champions do not rediscover their winning touch. "I didn't watch them," Guardiola stated bluntly. "It is better when they drop points, but if we make that analysis, it is better to think about ourselves."
The 'Mistake' City Must Avoid
The City boss identified a critical error his squad must steer clear of in the coming weeks. "It would be a mistake to think about them," he declared. His concern is rooted in City's recent form, which has seen them draw each of their last three league matches against Sunderland, Chelsea, and Brighton.
This uncharacteristic stumble has allowed Arsenal to build a six-point lead at the top as they chase a first league crown in over twenty years. While Guardiola's teams are famed for their relentless winning runs in title run-ins, he believes his current side is still in a development phase.
"We have always found a way to win games. We draw the last three but we are not questioning the process," he said, remaining optimistic. "But we will find a way. It is better to be six than eight points behind but we have to win games to be contenders. Everything is open."
Arteta's Pride Despite Missed Opportunity
Across London, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confessed to feeling disappointment that his team failed to capitalise on City's slip and move further ahead. However, he was quick to lavish praise on his squad for navigating a demanding festive period packed with fixtures.
When asked if the Liverpool stalemate felt like a setback, Arteta replied: "Yeah, every time you don't win. But then we would have been 12, 15 or 20 points ahead. I have to really praise the team and the players individually for what they've done in this Christmas period."
He highlighted the squad's resilience amid injury concerns, stating: "The demands and the schedule, it's unbelievable. And what they've done, I think, is remarkable." The Spanish coach pointed to his players' desire and consistency as the source of his greatest pride, recognising Liverpool's quality as the "actual champions."
As the Premier League title race intensifies, the contrasting messages from the two rival camps are clear. Guardiola is drilling into his City side the need for introspection and improvement, while Arteta is fostering belief and acknowledging the monumental effort that has put Arsenal in a commanding, though not decisive, position.
