Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits he enjoys watching Arsenal play because he can “learn a lot” from them.
The Gunners are in contention for a Premier League and Champions League double, having led the standings by six points and facing Atletico Madrid in the European semi-finals.
However, their style of play under manager Mikel Arteta has been increasingly critiqued, with set pieces accounting for 37% of their 62 league goals this season and only two goals from open play in their previous five games.
Arsenal face second-place City in a crucial match on Sunday (kick-off 16:30 BST), knowing that avoiding defeat will go a long way toward securing their first title in over two decades.
Asked if he enjoyed watching Arsenal in action, Guardiola said: “Yes. People are so demanding. From the media, supporters, and everyone. I enjoy watching them. I learn a lot about many things.
“What people want is to win, and we will fight. An aspect that is really, really important that we cannot fight against is [Arsenal going] 22 years without winning the Premier League. They have something that makes them unique. I know that.
“I knew that feeling when we arrived here. For a long time we didn’t win the Premier League. Manuel [Pellegrini] and [Roberto] Mancini did it, but for our era, I would say I know how you feel about that first win.
“That is something that we cannot play against; that is why we have to focus on the way we have to play.”
Arsenal opened the way for City last weekend with a shock home defeat to Bournemouth, and Guardiola’s team capitalized with a statement win against Chelsea.
According to statisticians Opta, the results reduced Arsenal’s chances of winning the trophy from 97% to 87%, while City’s improved from 3% to 13%.
The two teams drew at Emirates Stadium in September, but City enters this game with a psychological advantage after defeating Arsenal 2-0 at Wembley Stadium to win the Carabao Cup last month.
If City loses on Sunday, Guardiola stated the title fight is “over” with six games to play, but there are still “many things to do.”
The Spaniard stated his side’s confidence: “It is good. We are ready. A month ago because we dropped points in moments, I thought we would not be up. We saw the calendar and said, ‘Ok, we play Arsenal at home and for a chance.’
“It is six points. It is not a short distance, but we have a chance to do it. That is the situation we are in. It depends on our behavior, and everything will be said on Sunday. Our fans have sold out. Everything is perfect for playing a game.
“Of course, we respect them so much and the quality they have. I have no doubts about that, but it’s about how we approach it tactically and mentally. That is all I am concerned about.”
