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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has claimed Arsenal have an “easy” time in the Premier League title race ahead of their crucial meeting at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
The title rivals meet in a potentially crucial clash with just one point separating the two sides.
Arsenal travel to Manchester top of the Premier League table on goal difference over Liverpool, with Mikel Arteta’s side one point ahead of defending champions Man City.
Guardiola has increased the pressure on the Gunners and his former assistant Arteta, claiming they have it “easy” compared to his team.
The Manchester City manager suggested Arsenal have something to prove and claims the Gunners benefit from “something special” as they bet on a first Premier League title since 2004.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola suggested Arsenal’s Premier League title quest is ‘easy’
Guardiola claims Gunners benefit from desire to end 20-year title drought
Comments from Manchester City bosses pile pressure on Arteta’s team ahead of Sunday clash
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He insisted his team’s challenge is tougher as Manchester City aim to stay on top and secure a record fourth consecutive league title.
“Fighting for a title that hasn’t been won for many years is ‘wow, it’s easy,'” Guardiola said, according to guardian. ‘We have been here for many, many years and we are still there.
“I’ve said it a billion times, the biggest success of this club is that after many years we are still there and people can’t imagine how difficult it is.”
‘We are the reference for the new generations in this club because (what we have done) is really very good. Honestly, I couldn’t expect to be here with the problems we had this season, being in this position right now.
‘Of course what we have done before is important, but I didn’t expect to get where we are now. But after more than 20 years, Arsenal have not won the Premier League, so they will have something to prove and that is normal.
“When Liverpool win the title after many years, that gives you something special.”
Man City overtook their title rivals last season, and Guardiola’s side faltered against Arsenal when they collapsed in the match.
The Gunners were eight points clear of Man City, but a run of just two wins in eight games saw Arteta’s side eventually finish as runners-up.
Guardiola suggested his team have a tougher time in their quest for a fourth consecutive league title.
Man City won a fifth title in six seasons as part of a famous treble.
Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Emirates earlier this season with a late goal from Gabriel Martinelli giving them a 1-0 victory in October.
Guardiola’s side will seek revenge at the Etihad as they look to claim their first win over one of the Premier League’s top six teams this season.
Man City will be without key defenders Kyle Walker and John Stones for the match after the paid players were injured during friendlies with England in the international break.
