Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City will not relax until they are 10 points clear of Arsenal, despite gaining the advantage in the Premier League title race this week.
City’s 4-1 demolition of the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night closed the gap to just two points at the summit, with Guardiola’s side having two games in hand.
The first of those comes against Fulham this Sunday and Guardiola is refusing to become complacent. He believes Arsenal will keep scrapping for the title and that City need to streak well clear to be sure of a third successive league crown.
“I know Mikel [Arteta] perfectly and the players know that Arsenal will not give up,” said Guardiola.
“One of [Arsenal’s] real prizes is done – getting to the Champions League next season. They will not give up.
“When we are 10 points clear I will say it is almost over but the reality today is we’re two points behind. We have two games [in hand] but we have to be respectful for the teams we play – West Ham and Brighton – and we have to beat them.”
Arsenal have been top of the table since August, but after recent dropped points City finally have the chance to take pole position if they take all three points at Fulham to leapfrog the Gunners.
Guardiola added: “I said to the players: What happened to Arsenal in the last games – three draws, one defeat – can happen to us. It’s impossible? No, my friends, it can be possible. You can drop points in one week.
“We have to be aware of that and then it will be easier for us not to drop points.”
