Arsenal is anxiously watching as Pep Guardiola speaks candidly after Manchester City nears overtaking them at the top of the Premier League.
On 21 April 2026 GMT+7, Pep Guardiola, manager of Manchester City, the league's second-place team, gave a recent interview at a press conference ahead of their midweek Premier League match visiting Burnley, the 19th-ranked team, on Wednesday 22 April.
Manchester City, with 67 points, has the opportunity to overtake Arsenal as Premier League leaders if they win against Burnley by at least one goal in this match. Both teams would then have 70 points and an equal goal difference of +37. However, currently the "Sky Blues" have scored more goals (Man City 65 / Arsenal 63).
Recently, Pep Guardiola spoke about the possibility of overtaking Arsenal to become Premier League leaders if Man City beats Burnley, saying, "Being at the top shows how well they have played and how consistent they have been. This game is one where we must try to match Arsenal’s points."
The Man City manager revealed the players’ reactions after their 2-1 win over Arsenal on Sunday: "We talked immediately after the game about not losing focus. Arsenal are the league leaders and are still in a position to become champions."
"The recovery time is much less than the past two weeks—only two days. That’s why I have to monitor how the players recover."
"It was a very intense game, both emotionally and physically. At the same time, we still have six games left to play. We know clearly what will happen, whether we get good or bad results."