Pep Guardiola: ''If we lose, the title race is over...''

Pep Guardiola: ''If we lose, the title race is over...''

Pep Guardiola has warned that Manchester City’s Premier League title hopes would effectively be over if they are beaten by Arsenal at the Etihad on Sunday.

The top-of-the-table meeting comes with Arsenal holding a six-point advantage, although City still have a game in hand, adding extra weight to what is already a pivotal clash in the title race.

A win for City would pull them right back into contention, while Arsenal would remain in control even if they lose, with several matches still to come after the weekend.

"Yes, obviously. If we lose, it is over," said Guardiola in his pre-match press conference.

"The other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn't beat Bournemouth – we still have games to play. Six games is a lot and especially in our calendar.

"Everton away, Bournemouth away, Aston Villa the last game at home. Crystal Palace and Brentford. There are still many things to do."

Momentum appears to be firmly with Manchester City, who come into the clash on the back of a 3-0 win over Chelsea, while Arsenal suffered a home defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.

City have also been formidable at the Etihad, where they are unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches since losing on the opening day of the season to .