Pep Guardiola reacts to Liverpool consecutive defeats as he urged Arsenal not to underestimate the Red’s ability to mount a serious challenge for the title.
Despite a shaky start to their campaign, the Manchester City manager insists that Arne Slot’s Liverpool remain a genuine threat in the race for the championship.
Pep Guardiola issues title race warning
Arsenal currently lead the table with 19 points, while Guardiola’s Manchester City trail by three, sitting on 16. Liverpool are just one point further back, level with Bournemouth but behind on goal difference.
Though City and Arsenal continue to dominate early-season discussions, Guardiola believes it would be a mistake to rule Liverpool out this early in the campaign.
Speaking ahead of City’s weekend clash with Aston Villa, Guardiola reacts to Liverpool consecutive defeats, stating that the title race is far from decided.
“Well, in the first two games, three games, yeah for sure we [City] are out,” Guardiola said according to the Mirror, referencing the early-season rush to make conclusions. “And Liverpool is already done, and now it looks like Liverpool is done. And I’ll tell you that they will be back.”
Liverpool, the reigning champions under new boss Arne Slot, have endured a mixed start after suffering consecutive league defeats. Still, they remain within touching distance of the summit, just four points behind Arsenal.
Guardiola, however, cautioned that early-season form rarely tells the full story.
“I’ve said many times, I know all the pundits, all the specialists or former players, they know everything that is going to happen after five games, I’m not able to do that,” he continued.
“So, always I wait for 10, 15 games to know exactly what is going on. But I think obviously Liverpool and Arsenal are there, someone else will be there, hopefully we can be there.”
His comments carry a familiar tone of respect and rivalry. Guardiola has long admired Liverpool’s resilience and their ability to sustain title challenges under pressure.
The 53-year-old has often pointed to Jürgen Klopp’s former team — now restructured under Slot — as City’s fiercest competitors over the years. Despite the changes at Anfield, Guardiola appears confident that Liverpool will rediscover their rhythm.
Arsenal’s test of consistency
For Arsenal, the challenge now is maintaining their early momentum amid the growing expectations of a title charge.
The Gunners have looked formidable defensively, conceding just three goals across all competitions so far this season — and none throughout the month of October. Arteta’s side have already faced both Liverpool and City, losing narrowly at Anfield before holding Guardiola’s men to a draw at the Emirates.
Those results highlight Arsenal’s progress but also underline the fine margins that define title battles at the highest level.
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Their compact defensive structure, led by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, has been key to their rise, but Guardiola’s reminder serves as a warning that consistency, not just form, determines champions.
Liverpool, despite their recent stumbles, remain capable of stringing together long winning runs — a trademark of their dominance in previous seasons.
Meanwhile, Manchester City’s own form has come under scrutiny after an uncharacteristic dip, with two league defeats in a row leaving them playing catch-up.
But Guardiola’s track record of orchestrating late-season surges suggests the Sky Blues are far from finished. His measured assessment of the table is a calculated attempt to diffuse pressure while keeping his rivals wary.
The Premier League title race, even at this early stage, already carries the familiar three-way tension of recent years. Arsenal’s impressive defensive record, Liverpool’s potential resurgence, and City’s proven pedigree all point toward a contest that could once again go down to the wire.
