Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has admitted that Arsenal’s performance this season has made them the standout team in the Premier League, describing Mikel Arteta’s side as “fantastic” and “unbelievably solid” after they stretched their lead over the Cityzens.
Arsenal’s performance this season has left many observers believing they are destined to lift the Premier League trophy this season. The Gunners have established a commanding lead over their rivals, with their performances combining resilience, creativity, and defensive discipline.
While Liverpool, the defending champions, have struggled to match their previous form, and City’s campaign has been hampered by inconsistency, Arsenal continue to set the pace at the top of the table.
Guardiola, speaking ahead of City’s weekend fixture against Bournemouth, was full of admiration for his former assistant Arteta and his players.
“I think even the results, yeah we are six points behind Arsenal who look unstoppable right now because they play fantastic,” Guardiola said.
“They don’t concede goals, and they are so solid, they can score from many different situations and positions, and many players.”
The Catalan coach’s comments underline how impressed he has been with Arsenal’s performance this season — a team capable of suffocating opponents defensively while remaining ruthlessly efficient in attack.
Arsenal’s balance and belief set them apart
Arsenal’s surge this season has been built on strong defensive organisation, quick transitions, and tactical versatility.
Arteta’s men have shown a maturity that was lacking in previous campaigns, learning to grind out results when performances dip and punishing teams when they dominate possession.
With players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and captain Martin Ødegaard leading from the front, Arsenal have combined youth, energy, and experience in a way that makes them difficult to stop.
Defensively, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães have formed one of the league’s most formidable partnerships, while Declan Rice’s has brought additional steel and control in midfield.
Guardiola acknowledged that Arsenal’s improvement is no coincidence, praising the tactical evolution that has taken place under Arteta’s leadership. The Gunners’ ability to dictate games, limit opposition chances, and remain clinical in front of goal has turned them into a complete side capable of winning in multiple ways.
City still believe they can close the gap
Despite his admiration for Arsenal’s progress, Guardiola remains confident that Manchester City will continue to challenge at the top.
He insisted that his team is still improving and that with minor adjustments, they can close the gap on the leaders as the season unfolds.
“But even with that,” Guardiola added, “I think when we make this step a little bit better, I think we will be closer, we will be closer, those games are tighter, we’ll be able to win.”
His words reflect a belief that City’s experience and resilience in title races could still prove decisive in the long run.
The reigning champions have a track record of finishing seasons strongly, and Guardiola has often turned difficult campaigns into triumphant ones by making subtle tactical tweaks.
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Earlier in the season, Arsenal and Manchester City played out a 1-1 draw that hinted at how narrow the margins between the two sides remain.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City before Gabriel Martinelli equalised late on, ensuring Arsenal came away with a point. That performance reinforced Arsenal’s ability to stay composed under pressure and to find a way back even against the most formidable opposition.
As the season progresses, Guardiola knows City will need to rediscover their rhythm and consistency to stand a chance of winning title.
However, his praise for Arsenal was sincere and pointed — a recognition that Arteta’s men have become one of the most complete teams in the division.
