Pep Guardiola believes ‘mental aspect’ could be key in showdown with Arsenal

• ‘Twenty-two years without title … if they win it’s over’

• City manager enjoys watching rivals despite criticism

Pep Guardiola believes if Manchester City replicate https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/22/arsenal-manchester-city-carabao-cup-final-match-report">their Carabao Cup final display against Arsenal in https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/17/arsenal-manchester-city-guardiola-ready-to-benefit-arteta">Sunday’s pivotal title meeting with Mikel Arteta’s side they will win, though the manager expects his opposite number to make adjustments for this key clash.

Arsenal dominated initially when the teams met last month at Wembley before City gradually became ascendant, Guardiola’s side in control after the break https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/mar/23/nico-oreilly-believes-wembley-glory-carabao-cup-reignite-manchester-city-title-bid-arsenal">as two goals from Nico O’Reilly claimed the trophy.

Guardiola was asked if City would prevail again at the Etihad Stadium if they perform as they did at Wembley. “If we play like we did for 95 minutes and they do what they did, we are going to win,” said the manager.