Pep Guardiola refuses to panic after Arsenal open up six-point lead

<ul><li><p>Manager says City are in title hunt despite Villa defeat</p></li><li><p>Erling Haaland’s injury not expected to be serious</p></li></ul><p>Pep Guardiola said it was too early for Manchester City to fret about Arsenal’s superb start to the Premier League season, and that his team were alive in their pursuit of reclaiming the title despite <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/26/aston-villa-manchester-city-premier-league-match-report">a 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa</a> on Sunday.</p><p>City trail Arsenal by six points after nine games but Guardiola is relaxed about the gap. “We have to try to close [it], Arsenal have been solid for many years, this time the concern is how we can improve – better, better, better – and to be close,” the City manager said.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/oct/26/pep-guardiola-refuses-to-panic-after-arsenal-open-up-six-point-lead">Continue reading...</a>