Guardiola Issues Title Challenge to Arsenal Following Dramatic Anfield Victory
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has delivered a pointed message to Premier League leaders Arsenal following his team's dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, February 8, 2026. The crucial win has significantly tightened the title race with thirteen matches remaining in the 2025/26 season.
Late Haaland Heroics Seal Vital Three Points
The match at Anfield remained goalless through a tense first half before Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock with a spectacular free kick in the 74th minute. Manchester City responded with determination, with Erling Haaland equalizing just ten minutes later. The Norwegian striker then completed the turnaround by converting a penalty during second-half stoppage time to secure all three points for the visitors.
The dramatic conclusion featured several controversial moments, including a disallowed goal for Liverpool's Rayan Cherki, Haaland avoiding a second yellow card, and Szoboszlai receiving a red card. These incidents added to the intensity of a match that could prove pivotal in the championship race.
Guardiola Praises Team Spirit at Difficult Venue
Speaking after the match, Guardiola emphasized the significance of winning at such a challenging away ground, noting the unique atmosphere and dimensions of Anfield compared to City's home stadium. "It's so difficult. Anfield is Anfield. The tradition, the history, the crowd. It looks smaller, tighter; the pitch does not look the size of the Etihad. The players gave everything they had," the former Barcelona manager stated in comments reported by Manchester City's official channels.
Guardiola expressed clear satisfaction with the victory, which reduced the gap behind Arsenal from nine to six points after the Gunners defeated Sunderland on Saturday. However, he acknowledged the substantial challenge that remains in catching Mikel Arteta's dominant side. "Of course, we would be disappointed [if we lost], and the questions would be, it's over. Six is better than nine, but it's still a lot considering Arsenal and how strong they are in all departments," he added, highlighting the quality of their title rivals.
Arteta Maintains Cautious Approach Despite Advantage
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking after his team's victory over Sunderland, adopted a characteristically measured tone despite his side maintaining their position at the summit. "We still have to win so many games to achieve what we want. So, there's no focus on that; that's something else," he explained, as quoted on Arsenal's official website. "We've done our job now, we've had what we have to do, so I assess that, try to improve it and get ready for Brentford."
The two title contenders are scheduled to meet twice more this season: in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium on March 22 and in a potentially decisive Premier League clash at the Etihad Stadium on April 18. These encounters could ultimately determine where the trophy resides come May.
Liverpool's Slot Reacts to Controversial Defeat
Liverpool manager Arne Slot expressed frustration following his team's narrow defeat, particularly regarding officiating decisions that he believed influenced the outcome. The Dutch coach specifically referenced a denied penalty appeal for Mohamed Salah that might have altered the match's trajectory, adding another layer of controversy to an already heated encounter between two of England's footballing giants.
As the Premier League enters its final third, the battle for supremacy appears destined to go down to the wire, with Manchester City's dramatic victory at Anfield ensuring they remain firmly in contention to challenge Arsenal's pursuit of glory.
