Arsenal are five points ahead of Manchester City in the race for the Premier League title heading into the crucial showdown at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola have both agreed that Wednesday night's huge fixture will not decide who wins the Premier League title this season. The Gunners hold a five-point lead over the reigning champions and could take a huge step towards their first title since 2004 with a win at the Etihad Stadium.
Arteta rejected the idea that Wednesday night’s clash with City at the Etihad Stadium will decide who wins the Premier League title this term. Speaking ahead of the game, the Arsenal boss said: "We knew we had to go to Etihad, it will be difficult, but will it decide the season? No.
"The belief is there, I look at how the players reacted after Southampton, they defend each other in every moment. We really want it and we are again going to show it tomorrow night.
"But it has to be perfect because that is what is demanded at this time in the season," he added. Guardiola offered a similar response in his own press conference, yet still placed a massive amount of significance on the outcome of the fixture.
“It is really important, but not decisive because there are many games to play for both sides. We can’t deny how important it is,” the City boss replied when asked about if the fixture will decide the title.
“Arsenal have always had incredible details about keeping the ball; the players they select for the club have big quality and skills. Mikel has brought them to a different level; they are so competitive and aggressive.”