Pep Guardiola has warned Arsenal and Manchester City players have the desire and hunger to prove themselves all over again.
The champions moved back within five points of the Gunners at the top of the Premier League with a convincing win at Leeds in midweek.
With the prolific Erling Haaland scoring twice, it was a strong statement from Guardiola’s side on the resumption of the competition following the break for the World Cup.
It is such determination that recently convinced Guardiola to extend his contract and the Spaniard is confident there will be no complacency as his side chase their fifth title in six seasons.
“We did many good things and still have the desire and hunger to do it,” the city manager said.
“When you win a lot, it is easier to handle the situations but, on the other hand, it is, ‘Oh we have to do it again’. It’s complicated.
“Arsenal have done brilliantly and have been better than us so far (but) it’s not 15 or 20 points. We are close.
“I prefer to be closer but we are not finished the first (round of fixtures). It’s not a big distance.
“We won four in five years but seeing the way we played at Leeds, after the contenders all won, I see the desire. It made me feel, ‘OK, let’s prove ourselves again’.”
City’s experience could prove crucial should the race be tight, but Guardiola insists that it is not the most important factor.
“To win the title is about the way you play, it’s not about the past,” he said ahead of hosting Everton on Saturday (Sunday AEDT).
“If we continue playing the same as the last two games – creating more, conceding less – then we will be there.
“The moment we believe, ‘OK, four titles in five years, we don’t need to do it,’ then we have no chance.”
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