Can Arsenal take advantage of Pep’s confessed Manchester City’s ‘tiredness’ | OneFootball

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that his players are hungry for redemption and have been plotting their Premier League title challenge since the final day of last season.

This comes as Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admits his squad is still not in peak condition due to a shortened pre-season.

Daily Mirror 17 August 2024

Arteta’s Gunners narrowly missed out on the title last year, finishing just two points behind City. The Spaniard believes his team has significant room for improvement and is motivated by his players’ determination to go one step further this season.

“We had a gathering together the same evening with all the club players, and the players were saying to me, ‘We’re going to be better, we’re going to do it, we want more’,” Arteta said.

Meanwhile, Guardiola has conceded that his Manchester City players are not yet at their physical best due to a focus on rest after a long and demanding 2023/24 season. “We know we have to take points as soon as possible and until the players are fitter and in better physical condition, we have to be ready,” Guardiola said.

This could provide an early opening for Arsenal, who appear to be in top form heading into the new season. Arteta’s side has already strengthened their squad with the addition of defender Riccardo Calafiori and are reportedly close to signing midfielder Mikel Merino.

With Manchester City potentially vulnerable in the early stages of the season, Arsenal will be eager to capitalise and make a strong start to their title challenge. The Gunners kick off their campaign against Wolves today, while City face a tough test against Chelsea on Sunday.

The stage is set for an exciting Premier League season, with Arsenal hoping to take advantage of any slip-ups from the reigning champions. As Arteta’s men aim to fulfil their title ambitions, the battle between the two giants promises to be fierce.