Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has snubbed Arsenal when naming the 'best team in the Premier League'. The Gunners head into this weekend's fixtures five points clear at the top of the table with City playing catch up.
Mikel Arteta will hope his side can continue their form as they prepare to face relegation-threatened Bournemouth this weekend. Arsenal suffered defeat against City last month before bouncing back with a win against Aston Villa just days later, as Guardiola's side dropped points against Nottingham Forest.
The two top teams in the Premier League still have to face each other again this season in what could potentially decide where the title ends up this term. The Gunners hold a good advantage over City at present but there are plenty of twists and turns still to come in the season with 13 games left to play.
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Arsenal have won more games than any other team this season (19), whilst only losing three games - just one more than Newcastle (2). Guardiola is hoping his team can pick up another set of three points from their tough test against the Magpies this weekend as the Spaniard named Eddie Howe's side as the best team in the Premier League ahead of the league leaders.
"The threats, transitions, set pieces – they’re the best team in the league," Guardiola said about Newcastle United during his press conference on Friday. He added: "They have not been here a long time [near the top four] and you always think they need time but they have done exceptional recruitment, experienced players, exactly what they need.
"A manager [Eddie Howe] with huge quality. It’s maybe a surprise but not any more and I think they’ll stay there.
"They are one of the toughest opponents we have to the end of the season. The mentality, transitions, threats, they are one of the best teams. That’s why they are there."
City may have already beaten Arsenal twice this season - once in the FA Cup and once in the Premier League - but there is no question that Arteta's side still are the better team when compared to Newcastle. It seems that Guardiola has already started the mind games, but the Gunners won't focus on that as they continue to hurdle every obstacle and difficult challenge thrown their way with a first Premier League title since 2004 on the line.
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