Pep Guardiola warns Man City fans to 'respect Arsenal' ahead of massive showdown

Manchester City gave their Premier League title hopes a massive boost on Sunday with a 3-0 win at Chelsea, and Pep Guardiola credits the victory to a "better" second half from his side.

That may be understating things a bit, as all three of the Sky Blues' goals came in the closing 45 minutes with Chelsea looking shell-shocked amid near-constant pressure from the visitors.

Regardless, the result means that Man City are now just six points behind league-leading Arsenal — who fell at home to Bournemouth on Saturday in a dire display — with the two title hopefuls set to face off next weekend at the Etihad Stadium.

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For Guardiola, the elation of Sunday's victory at Chelsea's famous home ground is worthy of celebration on its own merit, even without the bigger context of a title race.

"I am always happy when you win way at stadiums at Stamford Bridge," the Man City manager told Sky Sports. "The fans are happy, we are happier."

Sunday's result means that Man City now essentially hold their destiny in their own hands, as they still have a game in hand on the Gunners and would almost certainly win the league title if they were to win the rest of their matches.

Next up is a huge April 19 showdown with Arsenal, and when looking at the form of the two teams heading into that match it does lend credence to the Sky Blues being favourites in that match and in the title race.

Guardiola, however, doesn't see it that way. And he has urged his team and their fans to not underestimate the Gunners, even with their current struggles and recent history of not being able to win trophies despite coming close several times under Mikel Arteta.

"We are going to play against a team that in 49 games lost three games, in Champions League didn't lose once," Guardiola said of Arsenal. "In the Carabao Cup final City were complete underdogs — there is not one person in this country that would bet £1 that we would be much better. Maybe now it's a bit different.

"The respect I have for Arsenal, what they have done the last few years. I know the manger, the players, the quality, how they compete in every circumstance, that's the biggest job we have. There is tactical issue, maybe we will adjust something.

"They have been the best team in this country, in Europe, so far. Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks. We have to rest.

"I would like to say to my fans — respect Arsenal a lot, they are an extraordinary team. Come to join us from minute one because the players will do the maximum."

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