I will congratulate Arteta — Pep Guardiola makes EPL title admission

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has revealed he will call Mikel Arteta to congratulate him if Arsenal win the Premier League title.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League, and 7 points clear of Manchester City, putting them in pole position to win their first league title since 2004.

City, in particular were considered the closest challengers, but their failure to win any of their last 4 league games has left them in danger of falling too far behind.

Guardiola on Premier League title race

Speaking ahead of City’s home clash against Wolves on Saturday, Pep Guardiola acknowledged that his former assistant has built the "best team in the world right now."

With Arsenal sitting seven points clear at the top and boasting a perfect record in the Champions League, Guardiola admitted that his out-of-form side is now reliant on their rivals slipping up.

Guardiola’s comments were not just about the league table, but about the mutual respect between the two managers. He noted that during City's years of dominance, Arteta was often the first to reach out with praise.

“If Arsenal win, I will be the first to call Mikel and congratulate him, as he has done in the past,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.

“I also congratulated Arne Slot last season. They are the best team right now and hopefully we can be close... and they can give us one chance to catch them.”

Manchester City will still have some faith that they can cut the gap to the Gunners, and will be eager to bounce back after suffering a shock defeat to Bodo Glimt on Tuesday night.

New signings Marc Guehi is expected to make his debut, while Antoine Semenyo will return to the team after missing the defeat to Bodo.