Pep Guardiola issues a two-word warning to Arsenal before the Manchester City match.

Pep Guardiola is expecting a “big battle” for his Manchester City team against Arsenal as the two Premier League title rivals prepare to clash on Wednesday.

A better goal difference for the reigning champions would mean a win at Emirates Stadium places them at the top of the league for the first time this season and Guardiola seems to already have the psychological advantage over his former City assistant coach.

As for Premier League outings, the two teams are yet to face each other after the death of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II saw Arsenal’s Europa League game against PSV postponed and then rescheduled in the mid-week Arsenal were supposed to play City.

Guardiola under took his pre-match Arsenal press conference where he listed a number of qualities the current league leaders have that have “so far” made them the best team in the Premier League.

“So far they are the best team in the Premier League,” he said.

Arguably the important part of that quote is the first two words, with the City boss seemingly sending a subtle reminder that with 16 games left to play for most teams, the season is not over yet.

A first-half blitz of goals against Villa seemed to indicate City are edging closer to being back at their best, but Guardiola has firmly dismissed those claims.

“Every game is different, you can play good and win and everything is perfect but tomorrow you could lose.