Football fans worldwide are gearing up for today’s highly anticipated Premier League clash between Arsenal and Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium, with kick-off set for 4:30pm.
Among those watching closely will be Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s Man City side temporarily reclaimed the top spot after a hard-fought 1-0 win over bottom-placed Southampton on Saturday.
Erling Haaland’s relentless form continued as he netted his 14th goal in 13 games, ensuring Man City could sit back as two of their main title rivals go head-to-head in one of the season’s marquee fixtures.
Aston Villa briefly climbed above Arsenal into third place on Saturday but now sit five points adrift of the leaders. Their title hopes took a hit when Bournemouth’s injury-time equaliser forced them to settle for a 1-1 draw at home.
Meanwhile, Brighton & Hove Albion had an opportunity to break into the top four and knock Arsenal down to fifth, but they squandered a two-goal lead, allowing struggling Wolves to secure a comeback.
“I will watch it,” Guardiola said of the Arsenal vs Liverpool clash.
“I prefer to be top than not be top but it’s not a problem.
“Look what happens today. Aston Villa drop points, Brighton drop points. Because it’s so difficult.
“We won in Wolves in the 95th minute.
“Today we had chances. We could have scored two, three, four.
“The expected goals is much higher.
“But I had to admit today was so demanding game for us.”
Man City currently sit two points ahead of Liverpool and six points above the Gunners, though they have played an extra game
Josko Gvardiol said: “To be fair I would like to be 15/20 points away from them [Liverpool and Arsenal] but it’s not going to happen, we all know that.
“That’s why this is the best league in the world and the most interesting league.”
Read more: Arne Slot opens up on Arsenal “dark arts” claim ahead of Liverpool clash
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber spotted with Arsenal squad ahead of Liverpool tie
Pep Guardiola reveals tactical lesson from Southampton boss after Man City win