Pep Guardiola has spoken candidly about Arsenal's stumble, saying Manchester City still has a chance to overtake them for the Premier League title.
On 20 Feb 2026 GMT+7, Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, spoke at a press conference ahead of their 27th Premier League match of the 2025-26 season, hosting 10th place Newcastle United on Saturday, 21 Feb 2026 GMT+7.
Manchester City is back in contention to win the 2025-26 Premier League after league leaders Arsenal drew 2-2 with Wolverhampton midweek. The "Gunners" have 58 points, leading by 5 points, but City has played one game fewer.
When asked about the gap behind Arsenal, Pep Guardiola said, "They were once 9 points ahead when we had a game in hand. So when all teams have played the same number of matches, we'll see the difference."
"I said weeks ago that many things will happen until the season ends."
Regarding the chance to overtake for the Premier League title after Arsenal's recent slip, the City manager said, "There are 12 games left, which is a lot. As I said before, Newcastle is the only thing I'm worried about."
"We will focus on the League Cup final against Arsenal when the time comes, but right now it's Newcastle. They have a little rest, then face Leeds. This is how it has been all along. As a journalist, I understand you want to predict what will happen, but right now, only Newcastle matters."
When asked if Manchester City now has a better chance of winning the title than at Christmas, Pep replied, "To be honest, I don't know. I don't know what will happen in the next 12 games, so I don't know."
"I haven't thought about that for a single second. I've only talked about Newcastle, Newcastle, and Newcastle. I haven't spoken about the league table or our position. I don't care. There are 12 games left. If you ask me when there are 2 or 3 games remaining, I'll have an answer. But 12 games is a long time."