Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world and I’m a huge admirer of Manchester City.
But what would be best for English football is a dramatic late twist in the title race that sees Arsenal become champions.
I’m not coming from the viewpoint of a media pundit who just wants more drama to give us something to talk about.
I have genuine concerns that an unprecedented fourth league title in a row for City won’t be the end of it. Win it again on Sunday and it could go on to become five, six or seven, and that is not good for the competition.
City could have been vulnerable this season. They must have been fatigued by last season’s Treble, lost their captain Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin De Bruyne suffered a long-term injury on the opening day. Erling Haaland barely played in December or January because of another injury.
Pep Guardiola is the best manager in the world and Manchester City are an excellent side
![Their dominance, however, is not good for the Premier League and Arsenal winning the league would be good for the competition](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/18/22/85050405-0-image-a-78_1716069071191.jpg)
Their dominance, however, is not good for the Premier League and Arsenal winning the league would be good for the competition
![Mikel Artetaa's side need to win against Everton and hope City drop points against West Ham](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/18/22/85050413-0-image-a-79_1716069105036.jpg)
Mikel Artetaa’s side need to win against Everton and hope City drop points against West Ham
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Yet here we are, with City odds-on to beat West Ham and pip Arsenal again, having already seen off Liverpool.
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Arsenal are seen REHEARSING their Premier League trophy presentation – as club staff shake hands and pretend to award medals… in the eventuality that Arsenal snatch the title from Man City on Sunday
The narrative in August will be more interesting if Arsenal get over the line to show they are winners and City have an extra incentive to get the title back.
People who describe City’s football as boring are jealous. To have the technical ability and discipline to be that good with and without the ball is amazing.
Trophies breed a feeling of invincibility. That is why City keep winning and why something needs to happen to give them a jolt to the system.
Arsenal have been fantastic rivals. You can see parts of City in their game, from the formation to inverted defenders and high amounts of possession. It’s clear manager Mikel Arteta learned well under Guardiola’s tutelage.
City just have that extra bit of elite quality. Ederson is the best footballing goalkeeper in the world. Rodri is the best deep-lying midfielder. De Bruyne is the best passer in the world and Haaland the best goalscorer.
They’ve not been perfect this season and it was an opportunity for others. I fear now we will not have a different winner until Guardiola leaves.
![If Arsenal cannot win the league, we may not see another side do it until Guardiola leaves City](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/05/18/22/85050499-0-image-a-80_1716069205227.jpg)
If Arsenal cannot win the league, we may not see another side do it until Guardiola leaves City
It will be beneficial for the English game if West Ham cause an upset. QPR and Aston Villa came close in 2012 and 2022 before City found a way. I’m hoping Arsenal can knock them off their perch today.
We don’t want to be here in a couple of years saying City’s dominance is a turn-off. If Arsenal win it, others might also start to believe.