Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Weir

Arsenal handed Premier League title boost as Pep Guardiola makes crucial Man City admission

Arsenal have potentially been handed a boost in the Premier League title race after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted his priorities lie elsewhere ahead of the all-important run-in. Speaking prior to City’s Champions League second-leg tie against RB Leipzig, Guardiola confirmed he believes his City reign will be judged on how he performs in Europe’s biggest club competition.

City go into the round-of-16 clash at the Etihad on level terms having drawn the first-leg 1-1 on German soil. While a victory on Tuesday evening would notch up a sixth straight quarter-final appearance, Guardiola is yet to guide his side to a maiden Champions League triumph, despite experiencing domestic dominance during that time.

With each passing season, the pressure grows on the Spanish head coach to end this elusive first triumph for the Citizens. It has now been over a decade since Guardiola achieved success in this competition, a barren run that stretches back to 2011 when he lifted the trophy with Barcelona.

READ MORE: Arsenal's five toughest Premier League matches left as new surprise emerges in Man City battle

“Yes,” he told his pre-match press conference when asked if success in Europe would define his tenure. “It doesn’t mean I agree with that but absolutely we will be judged by this competition. Since day one when I arrived here they asked me 'are you here to win the Champions League?' I accept it. It’s not going to change.”

This could hand Arsenal and Mikel Arteta an advantage as the Premier League season nears its conclusion. While the Gunners are also still in European action, their Europa League campaign is unlikely to impact their domestic form in a way City’s might if they put all their eggs into the Champions League basket.

Following wins for both sides over the weekend, the gap remains five points in Arsenal’s favour at the summit of the Premier League. Should City win tomorrow night, they could be faced with five additional matches to prepare for if they were to achieve European glory, all of which could take their toll on Guardiola’s side.

READ NEXT:

Leandro Trossard explains secret behind seamless Arsenal transition after three Fulham assists

Why Gabriel shouted at Granit Xhaka as Mikel Arteta reveals doubt over Gabriel Jesus

Arteta’s impossible task, Trossard’s mission - Arsenal winners and losers from Fulham victory

Arsenal player ratings vs Fulham as Leandro Trossard superb and Gabriel Martinelli a threat

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.