Arsenal Are Best Team in the League, Says Guardiola

Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Aston Villa - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - February 12, 2023 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Aston Villa - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - February 12, 2023 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)
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Arsenal Are Best Team in the League, Says Guardiola

Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Aston Villa - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - February 12, 2023 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Manchester City v Aston Villa - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - February 12, 2023 Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League as he prepares his side for their trip to the Emirates in Wednesday's top-of-the-table clash.

City, second in the standings and three points behind leaders Arsenal with one more game played, will be hoping to close in on the top spot after they recovered from their recent slump to stroll past Aston Villa with a 3-1 victory on Sunday.

Title holders City will find inspiration from last month's FA Cup victory over the London club, which they won 1-0 at home.

"So far, they are the best team in the Premier League," Guardiola told a news conference on Tuesday.

"We felt it a couple of weeks ago (in the FA Cup). The commitment, they are sharp. It will be a big, big battle. You have to be ready.

"I do not truly believe one week ago we are out of form and now we're back in form. Every game is different, you can play good and win and everything is perfect but tomorrow you could lose. Tomorrow is an important one, everyone knows it, and we'll try to do our best."

Guardiola also rejected claims that Sunday's win has provided his side with a renewed spirit, highlighting how the togetherness in his team is not swayed by results.

The Spaniard added: "After (the) Arsenal (victory) there was this togetherness, they are incredible human beings. I have no complaints. Everyone makes mistakes, me first.

"The mood is good, really, really good for many years. Many things happen, (such as) success, (but) sometimes little things must be adjusted to understand things differently.

"We are delighted to be together not because we win against Villa or lose against Spurs (Tottenham Hotspur)."



Sinner Enjoys Triumphant Return at Italian Open Following Doping Ban

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his men's singles match against Mariano Navone of Argentina at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Italy, 10 May 2025. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MEO
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his men's singles match against Mariano Navone of Argentina at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Italy, 10 May 2025. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MEO
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Sinner Enjoys Triumphant Return at Italian Open Following Doping Ban

Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his men's singles match against Mariano Navone of Argentina at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Italy, 10 May 2025. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MEO
Jannik Sinner of Italy celebrates winning his men's singles match against Mariano Navone of Argentina at the Italian Open tennis tournament in Rome, Italy, 10 May 2025. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MEO

World number one Jannik Sinner was ecstatic after a victorious return following a three-month doping ban, with a 6–3 6–4 win over Argentina's Mariano Navone in the second round of the Italian Open.
Sinner agreed a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency in February and began an immediate three-month suspension after authorities accepted that the anabolic agent clostebol had entered his system via massages from his physiotherapist.
For the three-times Grand Slam champion, who had not played since winning the Australian Open in January, was not about just winning on home soil but rebuilding momentum.
"It's an amazing feeling," said the 23-year-old. "I waited quite long for this moment. I'm very happy to be back.
"It's very difficult to have the right feedback when you don't have any matches, and that's exactly what I need. Now I think the best practice is the match itself, so I'm very happy about that."
Sinner admitted there was natural rust, but the joy of simply competing again overrode any doubts about sharpness or rhythm.
"I'm very happy about the win today. It was very difficult. (Navone) is such a great player, especially on this surface. I tried to move around the ball.
"At times it went very well, at times it could have been better, yes, but in any case, it doesn't matter about the result today. It has been a remarkable day for me, so I'm very happy."
According to Reuters, the Italian said he was surprised about how well his game felt after the layoff, as he extended his tour-level winning streak to 22 matches.
"I was surprised how things can (feel good) so quickly. I tried to give everything I have. I think that's the only thing I can do and that's the only thing I can control right now," Sinner said.
"The sensation felt quite good, to be honest. Of course, there were some ups and downs, that is normal, but (Navone) played some great tennis, especially when he broke me in the second set.
"I tried to accept that and tried to work again. Now I have some good feedback, and hopefully I can work with that."
Sinner will next face lucky loser Jesper de Jong.