Guardiola downplays two-team Premier League title competition
The Manchester City manager believes more than just his squad and Arsenal are in contention for the championship.
Pep Guardiola has downplayed the idea that this season’s Premier League title race is becoming a direct contest solely between Manchester City and Arsenal, asserting that circumstances can shift rapidly as the season unfolds.
Arsenal surged five points ahead at the top on Tuesday night, securing a convincing 4-1 victory against Aston Villa, which left Unai Emery’s squad six points behind in third place.
City has the chance to close the gap again when they meet Sunderland on Thursday night, but Guardiola was hesitant to characterize the scenario as a rivalry limited to two teams.
When asked if the title would be decided between City and Arsenal, he challenged the evolving narrative regarding the race. “Are you sure?” he asked. “A few weeks ago it was just Arsenal, two days ago it was three teams in the title race. And now it is only one. We will see.”
Liverpool currently holds fourth place and faces a tough challenge in defending their title, trailing Arsenal by 13 points, while City heads into Thursday’s match riding an eight-match winning streak across all competitions, concluding a tough, trophyless 2025.
However, their visit to the Stadium of Light poses a significant challenge against a Sunderland team that remains unbeaten at home this season.
Pep (On Sunderland) We encountered them a few weeks back and they’ve had an amazing season. If you get promoted, you can either retain the same group of players or do what they’ve managed: 14 new signings; it’s not simple to integrate everything. They’ve executed it well.— Manchester City (@ManCity) December 31, 2025
Regis Le Bris’ newly promoted squad is positioned seventh at the season’s midpoint and has already taken points from several top teams. Guardiola alluded to the challenging nature of the match, reminiscing about past visits and the atmosphere in Wearside.
“That indicates they’re incredibly tough,” he remarked. “I remember my first season when I visited, the crowd was extraordinary. They defeated Newcastle. Arsenal and Aston Villa couldn’t secure victories there. It will be quite challenging, but simultaneously, we are prepared.”
Focus has also shifted towards the January transfer window, which opens on Thursday, with City anticipated to be active.
Reports suggest that a £65m deal with Bournemouth for forward Antoine Semenyo is close to agreement, but Guardiola was cautious when addressing inquiries about possible signings. “I must be careful with my statements,” he noted. “That’s why I said yesterday before and the day of the game, the transfer window is entirely closed at the moment.”
There has also been talk about a potential loan move for Oscar Bobb to Borussia Dortmund, although Guardiola minimized any certainty regarding outgoing transfers.
“When it’s meant to occur, it will happen,” he stated. “I don’t possess any updates about anything at this moment. You should ask Oscar, not me.”
Published: 2025-12-31 16:02:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
