Pep Guardiola has explained why Brighton pose a significant threat to Manchester City's title hopes this season. Arsenal are now only four points ahead of the reigning champions at the top of the Premier League table after surrendering a healthy lead against West Ham at the weekend.
However, while City may have a game in hand, they must still face the Seagulls and Guardiola has highlighted this clash a potential stumbling block. Speaking to the press on Friday afternoon, the Spaniard claimed that Roberto De Zerbi's side are the best in the world for their build-up play.
"The reality is we are six points behind, no guarantee we will win the games in hand," said Guardiola. "The best team in the world for build-up, the best team is Brighton – there is no better team in bringing it from the ‘keeper to the last quarter. No team better right now."
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However, Arsenal must also face Brighton before the end of the season – and Jamie Redkanpp has explained the challenges the two title rivals face with some difficult fixtures on the horizon. The former Liverpool midfielder said: "There are a couple of tricky fixtures in there, we’ve seen it today with Brighton.
"They should have beat Spurs last week, they beat Chelsea today, that game has to get sandwiched in there somewhere for Manchester City and also Arsenal have them at home. They are a really good side that are full of confidence right now, nobody will want to play them."
Kolo Koure has also warned City that they must tread carefully in the next few weeks, with three major competitions still all to play for. The former Liverpool defender said: "For me, at the moment Man City have to be really careful because they have three competitions to play in and you can get players injured, which is really dangerous for your team.
"I believe that Arsenal are in the best moment because they have only on the league, they can really focus on the league and that can be very, very vital. But, I believe that Man City still have the experience which is very, very important when you go to the end of the season, because every single game is stressful for the players, for the club, and when you are not used to it like Arsenal aren’t at the moment, it is quite difficult."
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