Pep Guardiola delivers strong verdict on recent Manchester City form ahead of Arsenal clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola gave his thoughts on the mood around the camp ahead of a visit to north London to face Arsenal on Wednesday evening.

Normal service was restored at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday as goals from Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez helped City return to winning ways after a toothless showing in a 1-0 loss away to Tottenham two weeks ago.

The Blues have the chance to go top of the table with a win against the Gunners, who will be keen on getting one over the Premier League champions after failing to win in their last two league outings against Everton and Brentford.

Guardiola delivered an honest admission on the lack of drive around the Manchester City camp to fight for a third successive title after their 4-2 win over Tottenham in January.

In what felt like a joint message to his squad, the club’s board as well as the fans, the 52-year-old admitted he felt hunger levels had dropped from top to bottom – with inconsistency creeping in on the pitch as results showed against Everton, Southampton, Manchester United and Tottenham

Off-pitch matters took another twist when the Premier League sanctioned Manchester City with over 100 breaches of financial regulations last week.

This led Guardiola to come out strongly in defence of his club, who could send a strong message to the rest of the division with a convincing performance on Wednesday against their main title rivals.

Speaking on City’s recent form and the mood around the camp ahead of the midweek battle, the Catalan said: “I do not truly believe that one week ago, we are out of form and now we’re back in form.

“Every game is different, you can play good and win and everything is perfect but tomorrow, you could lose. (There are) many games to play. Tomorrow (against Arsenal) is an important one, everyone knows it, and we’ll try to do our best.”

After heading City into an early lead on Sunday, Rodri hailed the impact the crowd made against Unai Emery’s men and the midfielder’s words were echoed by Guardiola, who doubled down that his squad remain as motivated and together as ever heading into Wednesday’s game.

“Listen, after Arsenal there was this togetherness – they are incredible human beings, I have no complaints. Everyone makes mistakes, me first,” the Manchester City manager added.

“The mood is good, really really good for many years. Many things happen, success, sometimes little things must be adjusted to understand things differently. We are delighted to be together not because we win against (Aston) Villa or lose against Spurs.”

Arsenal have made an incredible start to the league campaign and are on course to amass their best-ever points tally in nearly a decade under the stewardship of Mikel Arteta.

The Gunners will have a few tricks of their own up their sleeves and Guardiola expects a tough test from the north Londoners, whom City edged narrowly in the FA Cup last month.

He said: “So far, they (Arsenal) are the best team in the Premier League. We felt it a couple of weeks ago (in the FA Cup). The commitment, they are sharp. It will be a big, big battle. In the departments, you have to be ready.

“It’s important because we can take the points, the best team(s) so far could not. But after Nottingham Forest, Champions League, six games away, I have a feeling many things can happen.

“Tomorrow can help us be there but there are many games, tough games. We can not deny it’s important to prove ourselves, handle the many aspects.”

Nathan Ake could return at left-back against Arsenal after Guardiola fielded an unorthodox 3-4-3 against Aston Villa, with Rico Lewis and Manuel Akanji starting on the bench.