Arsenal face Sporting with a City-sized shadow hanging over them

Pep Guardiola insists he would rather be “in Arsenal’s position,” but Manchester City’s own spot – even in second place – is not a bad one.

“It’s really disappointing. We did a lot of strange things. It hurt, but we have to accept it with strength. Now we just have to get back up and fight, or you’re out. That’s the level this will demand now,” Arteta said bluntly after the slip against the Cherries. What the Basque coach described as “a punch in the face” has become the ultimate confidence boost for a Manchester City team that once again look like the Manchester City of old – the one that steamrolled one opponent after another when spring arrived in the British Isles – and now truly believe they can win the 2025-26 Premier League title.

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