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Football London
Football London
Sport
Luke Thrower

Pep Guardiola snubs Arsenal as biggest title challengers for Man City with shock rivals choice

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has snubbed Arsenal as their biggest rivals in the Premier League title race this season. It comes despite the Gunners leading the way in the division with eight wins from their opening nine, with Guardiola's side trailing behind by a single point.

Mikel Arteta's men have overcome some tough clashes so far, recently beating the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool to continue setting the pace. Their form and performances have led to many discussing them as potential title candidates, including former manager Arsene Wenger.

However, Arteta has been coy on such talk, claiming: "Looking at the table and seeing the club in this position is great. It gives you a great feeling obviously. But we are focused. It’s a really hungry and humble team, believe me. It’s nothing that we have done yet and there’s still a lot of things to improve. That’s the direction we’re taking."

READ MORE: Arsenal already have their own Mohamed Salah as new five-year Bukayo Saka contract nears

While it seems as though for the time being the Gunners are the clear challengers to Man City at the top, their manager Guardiola has snubbed them when asked about sides eyeing the title. He has instead named Liverpool as their main threat, despite the side sitting in mid-table after a tough start.

"They always have been," the Spaniard replied when asked if Klopp's side are their biggest challenge ahead of their clash at the weekend. "Yeah. Because, I know the quality they have. If it was like this with 10 games left I would say I don’t think they can catch us but now anything can happen."

Jurgen Klopp's men currently sit 14 points behind the league leaders and 13 away from City, with the coach claiming their defeat to Arsenal has destroyed their title hopes. However, Liverpool have shown in the past their ability to challenge at the top as well as hanging in to make a push for the championship.

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