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)."



Australian Tennis Great Fred Stolle has Died at Age 86

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - 30/5/15  Mens Singles -  Former Austrailan player Fred Stolle is presented with an award by FFT President Jean Gachassin. Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff  Livepic/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - 30/5/15 Mens Singles - Former Austrailan player Fred Stolle is presented with an award by FFT President Jean Gachassin. Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic/File Photo
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Australian Tennis Great Fred Stolle has Died at Age 86

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - 30/5/15  Mens Singles -  Former Austrailan player Fred Stolle is presented with an award by FFT President Jean Gachassin. Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff  Livepic/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - 30/5/15 Mens Singles - Former Austrailan player Fred Stolle is presented with an award by FFT President Jean Gachassin. Action Images via Reuters / Jason Cairnduff Livepic/File Photo

Fred Stolle, a two-time major winner and member of three Davis Cup-winning teams, has died, Tennis Australia said Thursday. He was 86.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley described Stolle as an “iconic figure” in tennis as a player and later as a commentator for Australia's Nine Network and for CBS and Fox Sports. Tiley did not provide a cause of death, The Associated Press reported.
Tiley said Stolle was part of Australia's successful era in the 1960s as tennis progressed from an amateur to a professional sport.
“His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and a profound love for tennis," Tiley said. "His impact on the sport will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege to witness his contributions.
“A star member of Australia’s Davis Cup team, Fred made significant contributions to the sport following his decorated career, as a coach and astute commentator."
Stolle lost the first five Grand Slam singles finals he reached — including four times to fellow Australian Roy Emerson — before beating Tony Roche to win the 1965 French Open. He won the US Open in 1966, beating John Newcombe in the final, and held the No. 1 ranking.
He won 10 men's doubles titles at Grand Slams from 1962-69. He also won seven mixed doubles at the majors.
Stolle was born in Sydney but lived in the United States after his playing career.
Tennis Australia said Stolle is survived by his wife, Pat, his son Sandon — a former tennis professional — and daughters Monique and Nadine.
Rod Laver, an Australian who won 11 major titles including the calendar-year Grand Slams in 1962 and 1969, posted a tribute to Stolle on X.
“As I wrote in my book on the Golden Era of Aussie tennis, Fred Stolle was too nice a guy to hold a grudge. He won many Grand Slams and was in the finals of many more. It took the best to beat the best,” Laver posted. “We never tired of reliving the past as we travelled the world looking into the future with an enduring love of the sport.”