Premier League 2018-19: Manchester City vs Arsenal Preview

Manchester City - down but out too?

The defeat to Newcastle United was bad - without a doubt. Yes, Newcastle needed the points to help their relegation fight. But City needed them too, and it was a blow softened somewhat by Liverpool's draw with Leicester City.

However, how will they respond?

Guardiola, as a player and currently as a manager, is known for his tenacity and fight. He has managed technically awesome teams, with Messi, Xavi, Iniesta, et al. featuring. But they also had a high mentality and immense character.

Pep needs to draw on his own traits and instil them into the City side, since they're certainly under pressure now. City has outspent Liverpool and other teams in recent years, and Pep's managerial record is more impressive than Klopp's. In part, his own reputation and skills are in question, as well as his ability to motivate his side.

Still, City is strong at home, and they know whilst Arsenal will be a test in some areas, they have the attacking clout to trouble Arsenal's defence.

They also have a strong recent record at the Etihad to Arsenal. They lost to them 2-0 in 2015, but since then have gained two wins and a draw.

City are the favourites here, and Guardiola will be getting them up to perform at a high-level. They need to, and Kun Aguero, who has scored often versus Arsenal in the past, will be looking to get in the goals again.