Pep Guardiola warns Man City stars over Arsenal “mentality” showcased by Declan Rice

Why Pep loves Declan Rice’s never-say-die attitude

Speaking exclusively to Sky Sports, Guardiola revealed how he ‘loved’ the “mentality” on show from Arsenal’s squad, particularly highlighted by Rice’s post-match message after he and his teammates fell to defeat the Etihad Stadium.

“I love that. I love that. That’s why Arsenal is there. I saw it and it shows what Declan Rice means. That’s the Arsenal mentality, we’ve faced it in the Premier League these [past] seasons and in the Carabao Cup, how competitive they are,” said Guardiola.

“Otherwise they can’t have done the season they have done in the Premier League being there and being unbeaten in the Champions League, as you have Mikel [Arteta] but also these type of players that follow the message.

“And in the bad moments, they have the resilience [to say] we are there, we are there. That is a good example for us what we’re going to face in the five games in the title race.”

The Manchester City boss continued, “They know exactly what opponents we’re going to face in the five games. If people think because we beat them, the title race is done, Declan Rice showed us that they are there.”

It’s everything to play for at Arsenal and Man City

The race now enters a straight shootout over the final five fixtures in the Premier League, although Manchester City’s immediate focus shifts to the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton this Saturday.

As for the top-flight, City next face a challenging trip to Everton followed by a home clash against Brentford, and Pep Guardiola remains wary that any slip-up would be pounced upon by an Arsenal side that has proven its ability to remain “unbeaten in the Champions League”.

For Arsenal, the task is clear in that they must find a way to overhaul City’s narrow advantage while navigating a schedule that includes several London derbies amid a Champions League semi-final double-header against Atletico Madrid.