The Premier League title race is between Arsenal and Manchester City this season.
The Gunners are on top of the league table after 17 games. Pep Guardiola’s side are just two points below them, and their recent results have been very good.
The pressure is well and truly on Arsenal to keep going. Mikel Arteta will know that if his players slip up, City will likely pip them to the title.
However, Guardiola believes the Premier League crown will go to the Emirates unless one thing changes in his side.
If you could change one thing at Arsenal right now to guarantee the Premier League title, what would it be and why?
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will not catch Arsenal if they don’t improve in attack
Manchester City’s defence has been viewed as their big weakness this season.
The Sky Blues have conceded 16 goals so far, six more than Arsenal, but Erling Haaland has been so good in attack that he has got them over the line in many games.
For that reason, many feel the title race will be decided between City’s attack and Arsenal’s defence, but Guardiola doesn’t seem to agree.
After watching his side win 3-0 against West Ham United on Saturday, Guardiola expressed his disappointment about Manchester City’s attack.
He claimed that they are miles away from the level they need to be in order to win the title. He further claimed that Arsenal will not be beaten if the Sky Blues don’t improve going forward.
Speaking on Stan Sport Football, when asked if he enjoyed his side’s performance, Guardiola said: “A few things, they were really, really good. We’re improving a lot, in terms of defensively, I love it a lot.
“With the ball, we were miles, miles away from where you have to be a contender to win the big, big trophies. Today, the right spots were not occupied, and our movement was not correct.”
While speaking about the Gunners, he added: “It’s good to be there (second place), but I’m telling you, we cannot beat Arsenal if we don’t improve our game.
“It will not be enough. I really, really, truly, truly believe (that).”
Is Arsenal’s defensive strength enough to win the Premier League this season? If not, why?
Arsenal have a similar problem to Manchester City in the title race
Guardiola definitely has a point there.
Manchester City have scored 41 goals in the Premier League so far this season, 19 of which have come from Haaland. They are relying very heavily on him, which is a concern.
Arsenal do not have a goal machine like the Norwegian, but their problem also lies in attack. Arteta’s men are not converting the chances they create.
Even against Everton on Saturday, the Gunners struck the post two times, and Bukayo Saka missed a good chance inside the box.
Attacking issues seem to be the common theme between Arsenal and Manchester City now. Only time will tell if the Gunners’ better defence will be enough to win them the title.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
