Pep Guardiola warned that a loss to Arsenal this Sunday would hand the league crown to the Gunners. With Manchester City six points behind and a game in hand, the Etihad clash is billed as a title decider and pressure will mount on midfield.

City sit one win away from drawing level, needing a victory to move within three points of Arsenal. Nico O'Reilly, fresh from a hamstring recovery and the hero of the Carabao Cup final, is expected to start, giving Pep a tactical edge. The manager also cautioned that Arsenal will adjust after their Wembley loss, so City must stay sharp to stretch City’s defence.

A win would plunge City into the top spot and set up a showdown with Burnley at Turf Moor, while a loss leaves them trailing with a gruelling run that includes trips to Everton, Bournemouth and Aston Villa, or risk watching rivals close the gap. Guardiola’s blunt assessment underscores the high stakes, and City must deliver to keep the Premier League title within reach.