Pep Guardiola warns Manchester City do “not have enough consistency” to challenge Arsenal | OneFootball

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned that significant improvements are still needed from his side in order to claim the biggest prizes this season.

Guardiola struck a measured tone when assessing City’s current trajectory, acknowledging progress in several competitions while conceding that performances have not yet reached the sustained level required to consistently overpower their main domestic rivals.

City’s 2026 so far has been defined by sharp contrasts, having delivered in knockout football through securing a place in the Carabao Cup Final with an emphatic 5–1 aggregate victory over Newcastle and a commanding second-leg win at the Etihad Stadium.

However, the Premier League picture has been more complicated as City sit second after 24 matches, trailing Arsenal by six points, and dropping points in recent weeks to reduce their margin for error in the remaining contests. Defeat to Manchester United and a frustrating draw with Tottenham – after surrendering a two-goal lead – have underlined the inconsistency.

Europe and the FA Cup have offered further evidence of a side capable of explosive performances with City finishing inside the top eight of the Champions League league phase to secure automatic qualification for the Round of 16.

Elsewhere, a record-equalling 10-1 scoreline in the FA Cup’s third round over Exeter City showcased the squad’s attacking depth and emerging talent. Yet, as Pep Guardiola has stressed before, league titles are arguably won through weekly reliability.

Speaking ahead of City’s visit to face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday afternoon, Guardiola was asked whether he has seen enough improvement from his sides over recent weeks to suggest they will go all the way when it comes to competing for the big trophies.

“We have real moments, but not enough consistency to be there [competing at the very top level], but still we’re there,” Guardiola admitted.

The Catalan coach continued, “14 games in the Premier League is an eternity, from experience. It’s a lot, and everything can happen.

“We’re better than last season. Last season we finished 23rd in the Champions League, we are eighth. Carabao Cup [we went out] third round, now we’re in the Final. FA Cup we’re still there. And last season in the Premier League we are MILES away from Liverpool.

“So we’ll see what happens until the end.”

Pep Guardiola’s comments echo previous assessments he has made when asked to balance Manchester City’s overall progress with the realities of the ongoing Premier League title race.

While Arsenal currently hold the upper hand, the Manchester City manager was keen to stress that the season’s final stretch still offers room for dramatic swings, particularly with direct rivals still to be faced.

The immediate focus, however, turns to Liverpool at Anfield – a fixture widely viewed as decisive in shaping City’s title hopes. A victory would restore momentum, while another slip could leave Guardiola’s side relying heavily on perfection elsewhere.