Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a stark warning to Premier League leaders Arsenal, declaring his side will only grow in strength during the second half of the season.
Title Race Tightens as City Hit Form
As the 2025/26 campaign resumes, the battle for the championship appears to be a direct duel between Arsenal and Manchester City. While Aston Villa had mounted an unexpected challenge with an 11-match winning streak, their hopes were dented by a heavy 4-1 defeat to Arsenal just before the New Year.
That result on January 1, 2026 sent Mikel Arteta's Gunners five points clear at the summit. However, City had the chance to immediately reduce that deficit to just two points with a victory over Sunderland later that same day.
The momentum has shifted noticeably in recent weeks. After Arsenal dominated the early months, City have surged back into contention with an ominous run of eight consecutive victories.
Rodri's Return a Major Boost for City
A significant factor behind Guardiola's confidence is the return to fitness of star midfielder Rodri. The former Ballon d'Or winner, who missed almost all of last season with a serious ACL injury, is now back in contention after overcoming a hamstring issue and could feature in City's first match of 2026.
"With Rodri we are a stronger team. There's no doubt about that," Guardiola stated emphatically. He reflected on the Spaniard's prolonged absence, noting: "You miss the best player in the world... For one week, three weeks, you can handle it. More than one year and a half, it's a lot of time."
The City boss praised the squad's resilience in Rodri's absence, calling their performance in overcoming such problems "one of the best seasons we have had as a team." However, his focus is now firmly on the boost a fully-fit Rodri provides.
Guardiola's Confidence Ahead of Crucial Run-in
Guardiola, who is chasing a remarkable seventh Premier League title, expressed his desire to see Rodri rediscover his best form and joy on the pitch. "The knee I know is fine, the muscles are fine. I want the Rodri that we met, his joy in playing," he said.
He also highlighted the impending returns of other key players like Jérémy Doku and John Stones from injury, which he believes will further enhance the squad. "I'm pretty sure that we'll be better," Guardiola added, sending a clear message to their title rivals.
With the gap at the top potentially narrowing, Guardiola's warning sets the stage for a tense and thrilling second half of the Premier League season, where the returning prowess of Manchester City's squad could prove decisive.
