Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has no doubts that Manchester City remain firmly in the Premier League title race, despite a challenging start to the campaign. Speaking to reporters, the Spaniard expressed his belief that Pep Guardiola’s side have the quality, mentality, and squad depth to mount another strong push for the crown.
“Without a doubt,” Arteta said when asked whether City were still contenders. “Knowing Pep really, and the demands he puts on his players, the mentality they have in the football club, the squad and the players that they have, I think so for sure.”
Arteta, who worked alongside Guardiola as his assistant at Manchester City before taking charge of Arsenal in 2019, knows first-hand the relentless standards instilled by the Catalan coach. He pointed out that City’s consistency and resilience have been central to their dominance in English football in recent years, making them a constant threat regardless of any setbacks.
City, who have claimed six of the last seven Premier League titles, are currently seeking to recover from a slightly uneven run of form that has left them trailing in the standings. Yet Arteta believes dismissing them at this stage would be a mistake, given their track record of powering through the second half of seasons.
Arsenal themselves are firmly in the hunt, as are Liverpool and other challengers, but the battle is shaping up to be another classic multi-club contest. Arteta emphasized that the title race is never decided in the opening months and that experience often proves crucial. Few teams can boast the level of experience City bring, particularly after last season’s treble-winning campaign.
“Momentum is important, but so is the ability to respond when things don’t go your way,” Arteta added. “That is something Manchester City have mastered under Pep.”
With plenty of football still to be played, City’s rivals will be well aware that Guardiola’s men often peak at the decisive moments. Arteta’s respect and conviction underline a truth that Premier League fans have grown accustomed to—Manchester City are never out of the race until the final whistle of the season.
Africa Digital News, New York
