Guardiola: Title 'is over' if Arsenal beats Man City

Pep Guardiola has said the title race will be "over" if Manchester City lose to Arsenal this weekend.

The top two in the Premier League meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday in what has been billed as a title decider.

And Guardiola, whose team will kick off six points behind with a game in hand, has said that Arsenal will be champions if they win.

"If we lose, it's over," Guardiola said.

"They are so strong in all departments. Duals, physicality, if you allow them to make a good process by not being aggressive they make a good build-up.

"[David] Raya is extraordinary. It's not necessary to talk about set-pieces.

"That's why they are who they are. Top of the Premier League all season and that's why I'm proud to be there and challenging them."

Victory for City would move Guardiola's team within three points of Arsenal. They could go top if they beat Burnley at Turf Moor on Wednesday.

But even if Arsenal are beaten on Sunday, Guardiola insists City will not necessarily be favourites to lift the trophy because of their "terrible" fixture before the end of the season.

"Our calendar is terrible with Everton away and Bournemotuh away and Aston Villa the last one at home," said Guardiola.

"Burnley and Crystal Palace and Brentford at home. Crystal Palace and Aston Villa in Europe so there are still many things to do."

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Guardiola has been boosted ahead of the game against Arsenal with Nico O'Reilly set to be available after recovering from a hamstring injury.