Pep Warns Fans: ‘Beating Arsenal Twice in Two Weeks Is Huge Task’

Pep Guardiola has called for respect and unity from Manchester City supporters as his side prepares for next week’s decisive Premier League showdown with Arsenal, following a commanding 3-0 victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking after the match, Guardiola acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead: ‘We end this week playing a team that has lost just three games in 49 games and haven’t lost once in the Champions League.

‘We know how difficult that is. We have respect for Arsenal and what they have done in the last three years. They have been the best team in this country and Europe so far.’

City, who closed the gap to six points with a game in hand after Sunday’s win, will host Arsenal at the Etihad in what is shaping up to be a season-defining fixture.

Guardiola emphasized the difficulty of repeating their recent success against Mikel Arteta’s side: ‘Beating Arsenal once was so difficult, imagine beating them twice in the margin of two weeks. We have to prepare. I have to say to our fans to respect Arsenal and support us from minute one.’

The Spaniard’s comments come after a second-half masterclass from Rayan Cherki inspired City to victory over Chelsea, keeping their title hopes alive.

With Arsenal faltering in recent weeks, Guardiola’s men now have their destiny in their own hands, but the manager insists focus and humility will be key as the race intensifies.