Guardiola hails Arsenal as ‘world’s best’ as Man City begin title chase

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has described Premier League leaders Arsenal as the best team in the world, insisting his side must raise their level to close the gap in the title race.

City endured a difficult week after losing to rivals Manchester United in the league and suffering a shock Champions League defeat to Norway’s Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday. The setbacks mean Guardiola’s side are still without a league win in 2026, allowing Arsenal to open a seven-point lead at the top of the table.

Despite the slump, Guardiola mounted a strong defence of his players, backing them to respond across multiple competitions.

“Absolutely, the best team right now in the world,” Guardiola said of Arsenal. “Look in the Champions League, in the Premier League, look in the FA Cup, in the Carabao Cup – it’s the best team right now.

“Hopefully we can be close and getting better, getting better and have the chance to catch them.

“I have an extraordinary team, an extraordinary group of players. And we are all together. We are a fantastic football team, I don’t have any doubts about that.”

Arsenal have also impressed in Europe, winning all seven of their Champions League matches so far this season.

City’s recent struggles have been compounded by injuries to key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol. However, Guardiola believes the arrival of England international Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace will help stabilise the back line, with the defender expected to make his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

“It’s going to help us because the experience of Mark is exceptional,” Guardiola said. “Considering the absence of central defenders it’s really good.”

Dias, Gvardiol and Nico Gonzalez remain sidelined, though Matheus Nunes could return after missing the last two games due to illness.

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