Pep Guardiola has reignited his war of words with Arsenal, reminding Mikel Arteta’s men that they are not the Premier League champions as Manchester City prepare for a high-stakes clash with Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Speaking ahead of the match, the City boss was quick to underline where the crown currently lies — with Liverpool — while simultaneously issuing a challenge to his own players to rise to the occasion against the reigning champions.
Guardiola’s subtle dig and title statement
For the second time this season, Guardiola could not resist taking a swipe at Arsenal, who currently top the table after their 2–2 draw with newly promoted Sunderland on Saturday.
While Arteta’s side still lead the league, the Spaniard reminded everyone that the title belongs elsewhere — at least for now.
“On Sunday we play against, right now, the Champions,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference ahead of the showdown with Arne Slot’s Liverpool.
“Arsenal is not the Champion, the Champion is Liverpool. They come here to defend the title. We experienced that.”
City, who have trailed Arsenal for much of the campaign, know a win against Liverpool could close the gap at the top to just four points, tightening what has already been one of the most thrilling title races in recent years.
The City manager also used the moment to stir motivation within his squad, portraying Sunday’s encounter not just as a league fixture, but as a benchmark of their own pedigree.
“And it’s a chance to prove ourselves against the last Champions of the Premier League, what is our level, and I’m so excited to play,” he added.
Pressure mounts as title race heats up
The timing of Guardiola’s comments couldn’t be more pointed. Arsenal’s draw at Sunderland — in which they twice surrendered the lead — left them vulnerable to their nearest rivals.
While the Gunners still sit atop the table, the result felt like a setback in momentum, and Guardiola’s reminder may sting a little more in that context.
The City boss’s remarks on the Premier League champions may have been partly psychological, an attempt to unsettle Arsenal while refocusing his own side.
His history with Arteta adds another layer — mentor turned rival — and Guardiola’s competitive instincts remain as fierce as ever.
Though City have faced their share of inconsistencies this term, Guardiola insists his team is still capable of chasing down the leaders.
For Arsenal, watching from afar, the implications are obvious. A City victory over Liverpool would not only cut their lead but also reassert the treble winners as a looming threat in the title race.
Guardiola’s words may have been directed at Liverpool, but the underlying message to Arsenal was clear: you may lead the table, but until you lift the trophy, you’re not the champions.
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Meanwhile, Liverpool, under new manager Arne Slot, have adapted quickly to life after Jürgen Klopp, maintaining their reputation for intensity and flair.
A trip to the Etihad is never easy, but this fixture has often defined the direction of recent Premier League seasons. Guardiola knows it, and so does everyone else.
The Premier League, as always, thrives on fine margins and psychological edges. Guardiola has mastered both.
His comments serve to ignite the mind games that often shape the battles off the pitch just as much as the performances on it.
