On the morning of City’s 4-2 win over Tottenham on January 19, 2023, Arsenal were eight points clear at the summit of the Premier League table, and City were desperately trying to make up ground.
But if they win at the Emirates on Wednesday, Guardiola’s team will be top, having closed the gap in less than a month.
Arsenal, without a win in their last three games, are stuttering, allowing City to stay in touching distance ahead of what could be an early title showdown in north London this week.
City have had a rough patch of their own but they looked galvanised against Villa at the end of a week which saw them charged with breaching financial rules by the Premier League.
Amid an atmosphere that felt whipped up by the allegations, which are still working their way through a formal review process, the game was over by half-time as City raced into a fast 3-0 lead.
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During a run of lackluster performances – particularly home and away against Tottenham – Guardiola has repeatedly asked for a reaction from his players and the fans.
This week, the Premier League did his job for him and City played like a team with a point to prove.
After a torrid week, the only downside for Guardiola was an injury to Erling Haaland, which forced the striker off at half-time.
