Pep Guardiola: 'Hopefully one day Arsenal will concede a goal'

Following the victory over Bournemouth, coach Pep Guardiola humorously took a jab at Arsenal, who have kept seven consecutive clean sheets, while affirming that the Premier League title race is still far from over.

After the 3-1 win against Bournemouth, Pep Guardiola shared some interesting thoughts when asked about Manchester City's title chances. At the press conference, the Spanish manager smiled and said:

“Hopefully one day Arsenal will concede a goal, right?”

He then added: “Anyway, only 10 rounds have passed, there are still 28 more to go. The race is very long.”

Pep’s half-joking remark reflects the reality: Arsenal are showing an incredible defensive form, having kept seven clean sheets in a row and conceded only three goals in 10 matches. With a solid defense featuring Gabriel, Saliba, and goalkeeper Raya, the “Gunners” lead the table, six points ahead of their closest rivals.

This achievement reminds experts of Chelsea’s 2004/05 season when Jose Mourinho built a steel defense that helped “The Blues” win the Premier League with just 15 goals conceded in 38 games. That record has stood for nearly two decades, and many are beginning to wonder if Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal can replicate that legendary feat.

Meanwhile, Man City, who had a slow start, are making a strong comeback. Erling Haaland has resumed scoring regularly, and Rodri is about to return from injury. Pep Guardiola emphasized that City will focus on themselves:

“Just concentrate on yourself. If you’re good enough, you don’t need to worry about anyone else. If not, some other team will eventually surpass you.”

For Pep, consistency is the key in the long race. He acknowledges Arsenal’s impressive form but knows the Premier League is ruthless, where no team can remain unbeaten forever.

Arsenal is praised as England’s steel wall, but Pep Guardiola and Man City quietly keep chasing. The battle for the crown has just begun, and Pep’s light-hearted jab seems like a subtle challenge to this season’s biggest rival.