Guardiola praises Arsenal for winning 'most important title' this season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says Arsenal have won the most important title this season in the Premier League.

According to the City boss, the Gunners should be proud of their achievements so far as they battle with the defending champions for the league title.

He was full of praise for Mikel Arteta and his players after they leapfrogged his Cityzens to the top of the league on Tuesday night.

Arteta’s side returned to the summit of the league after an easy 3-1 win over Chelsea in the London derby last night at the Emirates.

City replaced the Gunners at the top of the table for the first time in 247 days following that 4-1 thrashing at the Etihad, followed by a hard-earned 2-1 victory against Fulham days later.

But the Gunners returned to the top last night after a comfortable outing against Chelsea ended a run of four matches without a win.

Martin Odegaard, who scored a brace, and Gabriel Jesus were the heroes for the Gunners while Noni Madueke scored Chelsea’s only goal.

Speaking on the North London side, Guardiola was full of admiration and said that the Reds should be proud as they have won the most important title - making the top four.

“We see how difficult (the title race) is because of how relentless Arsenal has been,” Guardiola told Football Daily.

“It’s seven years already for Arsenal in Champions League qualification. After seven years, they won the most important title in the season for the club - qualifying for the Champions League because financially, prestigious, new signings (and) for many things.”

“It’s the most important title today by far and it’s already there,” he added.

While Arsenal are back at the top of the log, City can reclaim the top spot if they beat West Ham later tonight at the Etihad.

The Cityzens will go into the game two points behind the Gunners, who have played two games more.