Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola once again made headlines ahead of the clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. With a sarcastic tone, the Spanish coach claimed that if the Gunners or Liverpool win the Premier League, it will only be because of the money invested in signings, a clear reference to the frequent criticism aimed at his own team’s spending.

A jab at Arsenal and Liverpool

“The day my friend Mikel Arteta wins the title, it will only be because of what he’s spent, not because of his work. The same goes if Arne Slot’s Liverpool win it. Because, of course, that only happens when it’s Manchester City, right?” Guardiola quipped at a press conference.

The coach defended that all clubs manage their resources as they see fit and that spending is a natural part of the elite: “Every club can do what they want. The treatment towards us has been different, but if they spend, it’s because they can and because they’ve been smart. They’ve invested to compete in the Premier League and in Europe, and they’ve reached that level.”

The Emirates challenge and the memory of the 5-1

City arrive at the match with just six points from a possible twelve at the start of the season, needing to improve their image against a direct rival. The visit to the Emirates brings back the painful memory of last season’s 5-1 defeat, a blow Guardiola has not forgotten.

“In that game we started well, but the last 20 minutes were a disaster. We forgot what we had to do and paid the price. Arsenal are incredible, one of the best teams in Europe: solid at the back, quick in attack, and very strong in set pieces,” admitted the manager.

Looking ahead to the new clash, Guardiola stressed that his team must raise their level in key moments: “I want us to be better than last year, especially in the last 20-25 minutes. That will be the big challenge for us.”

A title contenders’ showdown

The matchup between Arsenal and Manchester City promises to be one of the most exciting of the Premier League’s opening stretch. The Londoners want to confirm their growth under Arteta, while the reigning champions aim to regain the solidity that has made them dominate England in recent years.

Beyond the numbers, Guardiola’s words once again ignite the debate over transfer spending, a recurring theme in the Premier League, where the big clubs wage battle not only on the pitch but also in the boardroom.