Manchester City v Liverpool: How key is Etihad match to Premier League title hopes?
Guardiola knew Arsenal had built a team capable of chasing the title. It remains to be seen whether they have the stamina to sustain their fast start.
“Arsenal is there for the last two or three years, after a process of rebuilding the club and the team. What they have done for two or three seasons is extraordinary,” Guardiola said. he said.
“But it’s only the beginning of November. Nobody can win the championship at the beginning of November. You can lose, but nobody can win.
“I know how quickly things change. A week ago Liverpool were ‘disaster, disaster’ and now they’ve won two and it’s ‘did they do their best?’
“I’m sure the managers are approaching the situation from a slightly different perspective.
“There are ups and downs in every season.”
Liverpool head coach Slot also believes that there may be ups and downs in the title race, but the importance of this game cannot be avoided or underestimated.
Slot said: “It’s not about looking at the league table at the moment. It’s just about trying to win as many games as possible and give yourself the best possible position.”
“But definitely two very good teams will play against each other and we will see what the future brings.
“Our only focus is on ourselves. We have to make consistent improvement, keep the players fit and see where it goes.
“City is a game in itself. Playing against them away from home is one of the toughest challenges we’ve faced all season. These are the games everyone is looking forward to.”
The return of Slot’s title-winning midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Alex Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has given Liverpool a more familiar and winning look in their last two games against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, with the Hungarian Szoboszlai a key figure.
Slot said: “Dominik has been outstanding throughout the season, but the last two games have brought even more to the team and to him. I really like his work without the ball, but in those games he was probably even above his own high standards.”
If Liverpool win the midfield clash at the Etihad Stadium, they will believe they can improve; but improving Manchester City will feel just as confident.
The stage was set for the final titanic battle.
