Guardiola rubs salt into Arsenal wounds with Champions League snipe
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has claimed Arsenal have already “won their most important title” by qualifying for the Champions League. The Gunners have ensured they are back in Europe’s elite club competition for the first time in seven years but Mikel Arteta’s side wanted so much more.
Arsenal could still end the campaign as Premier League champions. They are back on top of the table after Tuesday’s 3-1 win over struggling Chelsea.
But City have two games in hand and are strong favourites to win their fifth title in six seasons. Arsenal have been top most of the campaign but are set to just miss out to the juggernaut that is City.
Arsenal have finished outside the Premier League top four since the 2016/17 season. The main aim this year was to get back in the big time in European football, which they have done with ease.
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But supporters of the Gunners may not be pleased with Guardiola’s most recent comments. Speaking ahead of his side’s match against West Ham on Wednesday, Guardiola aimed a thinly-veiled dig, claiming Arsenal had already pulled off an “incredible achievement” this season.
He told Sky Sports: “It was difficult because we see how relentless was, and is, Arsenal. Arsenal after seven years has already in the Champions League qualification.
“This is the perspective, no, to Arsenal? Maybe the mood there now is a little bit down.
“After seven years they won the most important title in the season for the club, qualify for next season for the Champions League. Because financially, prestigious, new signs.
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“For many things, it’s the most important title today, by far. And it’s already there. And they lost their last game and ‘oh they are sad’ – no I’m pretty sure they have to be so happy because they make an incredible achievement.”
Arsenal know the importance of being back in the Champions League. But the ultimate goal is to win major silverware again, something they have come close to this season.
Arteta thanked his players and staff for achieving Champions League football on Monday but insists he wants more. He said: “I am incredibly proud and thankful for everybody that has contributed to bringing the Champions League back to this football club with five or six games to go, something that hasn’t happened in over a decade in this club.
“So congratulations and thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to that, and thank you for still being upset and not accepting that the Champions League is enough and we want more, because this squad is going to demand to get what we want.”
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