“The season starts now” says Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has delivered a pointed rallying cry in Manchester City’s pursuit of Premier League leaders Arsenal, declaring that “the real season starts now” as the champions head into a pivotal stretch of the campaign.

City travel to Newcastle on Saturday evening, before Arsenal contest a high-stakes north London derby against Spurs 24 hours later. With just a handful of points separating the top sides, Guardiola believes this weekend could prove influential in shaping the title race.

“There are two parts of the season,” Guardiola said speaking to media. “When the transfer window closes in the summer, and after the November international break. Now that break is over, from now until March we play every three or four days. Now the real season starts.”

Guardiola made clear his admiration for Arsenal’s consistency, suggesting Mikel Arteta’s team will not surrender many points. That, he argued, places additional weight on City’s trip to St James’ Park.

“Arsenal are impeccable,” he said. “I felt the same when we were fighting Liverpool. They won’t drop many points, so if they build a big distance, catching them becomes very difficult. The teams behind must put incredible pressure on.”

Despite the urgency, Guardiola stressed that the title picture remains fluid. “It’s November, nothing is defined,” he said. “February or March is different. But now, staying close is essential. Winning tomorrow would be an important step.”

GFN | Finn Entwistle