“We try to compete” Guardiola does not expect to be easily beaten by Arsenal again

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·20 settembre 2025

“We try to compete” Guardiola does not expect to be easily beaten by Arsenal again

Last season, Arsenal secured a remarkable 5-1 victory over Manchester City at the Emirates, but Pep Guardiola expects a much more competitive encounter this time around. Both clubs have experienced mixed starts to the Premier League campaign, with Arsenal suffering only one defeat and City losing twice. Despite this, each side enters the match on a two-game winning streak, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash in which only one team can emerge victorious.

Guardiola is acutely aware of the challenge his squad faces, emphasising the need to avoid another season without silverware, as was the case last term. A defeat to Arsenal would not only dent confidence but also widen the gap between the two clubs in the league standings, a scenario City will be eager to prevent.

OneFootball Video

Guardiola on Arsenal’s Strength

The Manchester City manager has publicly acknowledged the progress made by Arsenal under Mikel Arteta, particularly noting the reinforcement of their squad over several transfer windows. Speaking via Independent Sport, Guardiola stated: “Hopefully, this season we can make it a little bit more challenging (for them) because Mikel is an extraordinary manager and they’ve increased the squad for this (last) four or five transfer windows. It is an unbelievable squad and an unbelievable team, it is one of the toughest opponents you can find right now in Europe. We will see what we have to do and how the players are fit. We try to compete.”

His comments underline the respect City have for the Gunners and highlight the tactical and physical challenges expected in the upcoming fixture. Arsenal’s blend of talent, depth and recent momentum makes them a formidable opponent, and Guardiola is focused on ensuring his players rise to the occasion.

Mikel Arteta and Pep Guardiola (Getty Images)

Early-Season Stakes

For both sides, this match carries significant implications. City aims to establish dominance and maintain their status as title contenders, while Arsenal will seek to prove their capacity to compete with the league’s elite. A victory in such a high-profile encounter would provide a major boost in confidence, signalling intent for the remainder of the season.

Winning games of this magnitude early in the campaign can set the tone for the months ahead, offering momentum and belief to the players. While City will be a tough opponent, Arsenal’s quality and preparation mean the fixture promises to be fiercely contested, with both teams fully aware of the fine margins that could decide the outcome.

__________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…