Pep Guardiola says Man Utd and Arsenal don’t have the pressure that Man City do in the Premier League title race

Pep Guardiola claims that the huge expectations of Manchester City in the Premier League title race are not the same for Manchester United or Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag’s men lifted themselves to within nine points of leaders Arsenal after victory against Bournemouth, and are currently a point behind Guardiola’s side ahead of their away fixture against Chelsea on Thursday evening.

The prospect of being in a title race has been played down by United’s Dutch manager but Guardiola suggests this can play into the hands of the other contenders.

“The advantage of Arsenal and Manchester United right now is nobody has to win the Premier League for 20 points ahead in November like Man City has to – and this is sometimes a big problem,” the City manager explained.

“People say, ‘Ah, yes, but you are [City] …’ But with Arsenal winning all their games and you are eight points behind, it can happen [City not winning the title].

“But, at the same time, I see the way we played the last games, and the feeling is good. Maybe we play s**t tomorrow, but the feeling is good.”

United face both of their supposed fellow title contenders later this month in what could be a defining period in Ten Hag’s first season in charge at Old Trafford.

The possibility of a perfect month, with progression in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup; as well as points gained on The Gunners and City; is a mouth-watering thought. But, those two games will be two of the most difficult of the season for The Reds.

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However, it’s clear that Guardiola sees United as a threat. He knows the ability of Ten Hag’s management after working with him at Bayern Munich. Mikel Arteta was also his assistant at The Etihad before switching to The Emirates.