Arsenal is warned by Pep Guardiola after his title statements.
Mikel Arteta receives a message from Guardiola prior to the Manchester City game.
As they get ready for the match between Manchester City and Arsenal, Pep Guardiola has given Mikel Arteta a playful warning.
Arteta, who took over at Arsenal after two seasons under Guardiola, has made the team a viable contender for the championship.
Guardiola lauded Arteta’s outstanding season-long accomplishments in an interview with beIN Sports, saying, “What can I say? He is a fantastic manager, and their season-long success with Arsenal is astounding.
“They will try to win against us; he won’t give up. Nevertheless, we are ready. Although I have confronted him previously, I know him well, and this time I have to show who really controls the game because it is up to us to decide the conclusion.
Regarding the team’s mindset, Erling Haaland added, “Fantastic mentality.” We concentrate on a single game at a time before unwinding.
“We came here with the intention of winning, and we did. We now need to focus on the upcoming game and avoid overanalysing it. Together, let’s end strong.
Regarding player availability, Guardiola has stated that none of Manchester City’s injured players will play against Arsenal again.
After winning four of their previous five league games, the Premier League champions will travel to the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in an attempt to cut the deficit on the Gunners to three points.
In response to a question concerning the possible return of injured players, Guardiola said he would probably start a lineup akin to the one that defeated Club Brugge in the Champions League, saying, “No, we continue the same.”
Ruben Dias and Jeremy Doku are too early for the forthcoming showdown in the capital.
Having just recovered from a muscle ailment, Dias asked to be substituted during Manchester City’s Champions League 4-2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain last week.
However, Doku missed the game against PSG and the wins over Chelsea and Club Brugge. He will also be out for the confrontation with Arsenal.
Oscar Bobb, a young player, has recovered from a broken leg he suffered prior to the season, while Nathan Ake has missed the last four games in all competitions due to a muscle ailment.
According to Guardiola, the 21-year-old was contemplated for a comeback to the team in the middle of the week but was eventually left out, so it is unclear if he will play this weekend.
As expected, Rodri will miss time due to his ongoing recuperation from a chronic ACL injury.
Guardiola may, however, make use of Omar Marmoush, Vitor Reis, and Abdukodir Khusanov, City’s January additions who were not allowed to play against Club Brugge.
