Arsenal and Manchester CIty look set to go head-to-head for the Premier League title again, but the Gunners are desperate to win this time around.
Mikel Arteta has made Arsenal title challengers, and Arsenal have come close in each of the last two seasons, as they took Man City to the final day of the season but finished two points short.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola has won six Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium, and his side are near-impossible to topple over 38 games.
They have now won four titles in a row, but the strength of Arsenal’s side under Arteta makes them serious contenders this season. Guardiola knows this, but whilst he is certain that Arsenal will challenge for the league, he has highlighted a different team as one he dreads playing against.
Pep Guardiola claims facing Newcastle will be difficult this season
Speaking on the Men In Blazers Podcast, Guardiola claimed that playing against Newcastle this season is a fearful prospect, whilst Arsenal will definitely challenge for the title.
“Arsenal ten to ten [can challenge Man City for the title]. Liverpool we’ll see, the tradition with Jurgen [Klopp] is not easy but pre-season for Arne Slot has been amazing and the other teams you’ll have to see,” Guardiola explained.
“You ask me now, it’s Arsenal, Tottenham will be there for the way they play, Newcastle will be back because it’s one game a week without European competition and with the energy and physicality they play with just one game a week, we will be trembling when we play against them.
“And of course [Manchester] United with a lot of signings, Chelsea with a lot of signings.”
Arsenal and Newcastle’s record against Manchester City last season
Arsenal faced Man City three times last season and avoided defeat. The Gunners won on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the Community Shield, before Gabriel Martinelli scored a late winner in a 1-0 victory at the Emirates.
Arteta’s side drew away to Man City, and this result has been criticised as it is claimed that Arsenal should have done more to win at the Etihad Stadium.
Newcastle faced Man City four times last season. They lost 1-0 at the Etihad at the start of the season, but then beat City 1-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Newcastle found themselves 2-0 up against Man City in January, but the return of Kevin de Bruyne sparked a comeback as Guardiola’s side won 3-0, before they then knocked Newcastle out of the FA Cup in April.
Arsenal lost to Newcastle in November last year, but thrashed the Magpies 4-1 at the Emirates, and Arteta’s side will hope to earn more points away at both this season.
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