Arsenal ‘best team’ in the world right now, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City have the task of chasing the best team in the world in Premier League leaders Arsenal as he launched a challenging defense from his players after a chastening week.

City were soundly beaten by local rivals Manchester United last weekend before suffering one of the biggest upsets in Champions League history in Bodo/Glimt, Norway, on Tuesday.

Guardiola’s men are yet to win a league match in 2026, allowing Arsenal to build a seven-point lead in the title race.

But the City boss backed his ‘extraordinary’ group of players to respond as they continue to battle for silverware in four competitions.

“Absolutely the best team in the world at the moment,” Guardiola said of the challenge of chasing Arsenal, who have also won all seven Champions League games. “So look at the Champions League, look at the Premier League, look at the FA Cup, look at the Carabao Cup – it’s the best team at the moment.

“Hopefully we can be close and get better, get better and get a chance to catch them.

«I have an extraordinary team, an extraordinary group of players. And we are all together. We are a fantastic football team, I have no doubt about that.»

City’s decline in form coincided with the loss of key defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol to injuries.

The arrival of Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace should soften their absence with the England international making his debut against Wolves on Saturday.

«It’s going to help us because Mark’s experience is exceptional,» Guardiola added. “Considering the absence of central defenders, it’s really good.”

Dias, Gvardiol and Nico Gonzalez remain sidelined for City, but Matheus Nunes could return after missing the last two games due to a virus.

Published on January 23, 2026