Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has laid down the stakes for this Sunday’s titanic clash at the Etihad Stadium, admitting that his side’s hunt for another Premier League title will effectively end if they lose to Arsenal.
The Gunners currently hold a six-point lead over City with only six weeks remaining in the campaign.
While City have a game in hand against Burnley next Wednesday, Guardiola was candid about the psychological and mathematical mountain they would have to climb should Mikel Arteta’s side extend that gap to nine points.
“If we lose, it is over,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday morning.
“Six points is not a short distance but you have the chance to do it, the team will be ready, our fans have sold out the Etihad, everything perfect to try to play a game.”
He pointed to a difficult run-in that includes trips to Everton and Bournemouth, as well as a final-day clash with Aston Villa, as evidence that City cannot afford to drop any more points.
City’s preparations have been hampered by the confirmed absence of Ruben Dias, who remains sidelined with an ankle injury.
However, there was better news regarding breakout star Nico O’Reilly.
The 21-year-old, who has scored five league goals this season while displacing high-profile signings at left-back, has been cleared to play after a recent injury scare. City are looking to capitalise on Arsenal’s recent slip against Bournemouth to blow the title race wide open.