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)."



Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
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Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi national football team coach Hervé Renard underlined on Friday the importance of his team's upcoming "challenging and crucial" match against Iraq in the Gulf Cup currently underway in Kuwait.

Winning the match is essential to advancing to the semifinals, he told a press conference.

The teams will clash on Saturday afternoon.

"The Saudi fans consistently support the national team. Although we did not begin the tournament at our usual level, we will strive to bring the Saudi national team to its normal situation," he vowed.

"I concentrate solely on football, analyzing matches and players' performances daily to achieve our objectives," he added.

Meanwhile, Iraqi national team coach Jesus Casas said the match against Saudi Arabia is a chance to evaluate the team's blend of youth and experience.

He emphasized the importance of achieving proper harmony for the team to deliver the best result.

"The last match was disappointing, and all the teams in the tournament are competitive. We do not make excuses; instead, we will concentrate on putting forth a solid performance against the Saudi national team," Casas said.