‘Give us one chance’ — Stubborn Pep warns Arsenal he is ready to pounce on title despite glowing tribute

Pep Guardiola has a message for Mikel Arteta: don't get too comfortable.

Despite Manches​ter City suffering through a disastrous start to 2026, including a humbling derby loss to Manchester United and a shock Arctic collapse against Bodo/Glimt, Pep Guardiola is refusing to wave the white flag. 

While he has admitted that Arsenal are currently the "best team in the world," Guardiola’s words carried a sharp warning that the former champions are merely waiting for the Gunners to blink.

‘One chance to catch them’ — Pep’s defiant warning

Guardiola isn't looking for a miracle; he’s looking for a crack in the door. While acknowledging Arsenal’s dominance across all competitions, he made it clear that City’s pursuit is far from over.

“So, it’s the best team right now,” he stated as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria. “And hopefully we can be close and getting better, getting better and give us one chance, you know, to catch them.”

The "one chance" narrative has already shifted the mood among the City faithful, turning what looked like a funeral for their title hopes into a focused hunt.

The Narrative Spine: Why City still believe

Guardiola’s refusal to concede isn't just bravado; it’s backed by a tactical shift and a reinforced squad:

The arrival of Marc Guehi to fix the fragility in defence shows City are spending their way out of the slump. Pep, who praised his captains, is also betting on the mounting fixtures to eventually slow down Arsenal’s "perfect" run.

With the gap at seven points, City face bottom-of-the-table Wolves this weekend in what Guardiola has labelled a "must-win" to change the dynamic.

“Man City is so perfect we cannot lose games,” Pep insisted, reminding his players that the margin for error is gone, but the path to glory is still open. He isn't admiring Arsenal’s view from the top; he’s studying the climb.