Pep Guardiola admitted that Arsenal, under the management of Mikel Arteta, are currently the best team in the world after Manchester City's decline and a 7-point gap in the Premier League.
On 24 Jan 2026 GMT+7, Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, highly praised Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, stating clearly that the "Gunners" are the best team in the world right now, after their outstanding performance leading the Premier League and contending for their first league title since 2004.
Manchester City remains a key contender but trails Arsenal by 7 points after failing to win in four consecutive league matches, including a defeat in the derby against Manchester United and disappointment in the European match against Bodø/Glimt midweek.
Guardiola acknowledged that the main reason for the team's poor form is player fatigue and the absence of several key players, which has prevented squad rotation as before.
“Arsenal are the best team in the world right now. We need to improve ourselves and hope they give us a chance to catch up,” Pep said.
The Spanish coach also revealed he fully understands the team's problems and believes that if the key players return fit between February and March, Manchester City will challenge for the title again.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta remains cautious even though Arsenal lead the table, with an upcoming home match against Manchester United after recently drawing 0-0 with Nottingham Forest.