14 February 2023 , 22:30
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Pep Guardiola has told Arsenal they will have to rip the Premier League trophy from Manchester City's hands ahead of Wednesday's title showdown.
Champions City can go top on goal difference with victory over leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, with Guardiola promising Mikel Arteta's side a fight to the finish.
“You want it?” said Guardiola. “Okay, fight, take it. It’s in our hands. We’ll defend this title until the last day. This is what I’d like. We have to fight to the maximum to try to retain the title. If we don’t, accept it. But we need to give our best. My players have to feel that every day.
“The biggest motivation is that I don’t want to drop the Premier League just because we're not who we are. If they beat us because they're better, then this is sport, I’ll be the first to congratulate them, as I’ve always done. But not because we're not there.”
City trail Arsenal by three points going into tonight's encounter, with Arteta's side having a game in hand on Guardiola's men.
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Guardiola is convinced there will be plenty of twists and turns before the title race is decided, the City boss demanding his players give their all to win it for the third time in a row.
Pep Guardiola has warned Arsenal they will have to prise the title from his hands (talkSPORT)“There are a lot of points to play for,” said Guardiola. “We don't know what can happen in the next few weeks.
“I always have the feeling, especially now with European competitions back and the FA Cup around the corner, that the last eight to ten games are going to decide the title. We have to try to be there in that moment and then have to make the last effort to try to achieve it.”
City are sweating on the fitness of star striker Erling Haaland, who suffered a thigh injury in Sunday's 3-1 win over Aston Villa and is a doubt to face the Gunners.