Pep Guardiola tells Arsenal fans they ‘should be so happy’ for winning ‘the most important title’ of securing a top-four finish in a cunning dig with Man City poised to win the title again after blowing it away of the Gunners last week
Pep Guardiola has claimed Arsenal fans should be happy despite losing control of the title race, with the Manchester City manager insisting the Gunners have clinched the ‘most important title’ by qualifying for the Champions League.
Man City struck a potentially decisive blow in the title race last week by beating Arsenal 4-1 at the Etihad.
The Spaniard suggested that while Arsenal fans will be disappointed by the result, they should be happy with the club’s season regardless of the final outcome of the Premier League title race.
Guardiola insisted the Gunners had already achieved their main goal of the season, qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
“Arsenal have already qualified for the Champions League after seven years,” said Guardiola Football daily.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed Arsenal fans should be happy with the club’s season
Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League for the first time since the 2016/17 season
The Gunners lost control of the title race last week after being beaten 4-1 by Manchester City
“Maybe the mood is a little off there.
After seven years, they won the most important title of the season for the club – to qualify for the Champions League next season.
‘Because it is financially prestigious, new acquisitions.
“For many reasons, it is by far the most important title, and it already is.
They lost the last game [against Man City] and they’re sad, but I’m pretty sure they must be so happy because they’re doing an incredible job.’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, Guardiola’s former assistant, insisted this week that the club were not satisfied despite meeting their pre-season target.
“We are in the Champions League and everyone is still dissatisfied with the situation. This is what we need to move forward as a club and as a team,” said Arteta.
“We are Arsenal football club. We have to be here to win every prize. The requirements must be there.’
Mikel Arteta claims that despite qualifying for the Champions League, Arsenal are not satisfied
Manchester City can return to the top of the Premier League against West Ham on Wednesday
Man City briefly moved to the top of the table for the first time since February by beating Fulham 2-1 on Sunday.
The Gunners responded on Tuesday by taking a 3-1 home win against Chelsea to take them back to the top.
Guardiola’s side are two points behind Arsenal, but the reigning champions have two games left on their challengers.
City will regain top spot if they beat West Ham at home on Wednesday night.