Pep Guardiola thinks Arsenal will be up there this season, as the team grow under his former assistant Mikel Arteta.

LONDON, ENGLAND : Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND : Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on October 18, 2021. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Speaking after his side’s comfortable win over Brighton, Pep Guardiola admitted that the Premier League is stronger than ever right now.

Manchester City are competing up at the top end of the table once again this season, just two points behind league leaders Chelsea. But there are plenty of other clubs in close proximity right now.

Guardiola told Sky Sports that he thinks Arsenal are also going to be up there with the other top clubs as the season goes on.

“It’s my sixth season here, and I have the feeling that every season is stronger than the year before,” Guardiola said. “Arsenal is growing, one game a week, and they will be up there. Chelsea, of course, Liverpool, United, many top clubs.”

It’s a little tricky to assess exactly where Arsenal are right now. The season started so poorly, with three straight defeats in the league, but there were mitigating factors, from the various Covid-19 absences to the early red card at Manchester City.

Since then, Arsenal are unbeaten in six league games, winning four, and there have been some really encouraging performances in there. The first-halves against Spurs and Aston Villa were fantastic, the Norwich scoreline didn’t reflect Arsenal’s dominance that day.

Then there have been the more disappointing displays, like the uninspiring trip to Brighton and the way Arsenal had to scrape a draw against Crystal Palace despite having the lead at half-time.

Arteta’s side are mid-table in the current standings, though only a point or so off the European places. Guardiola may well believe Arsenal will be up there at the end of the season, most of us probably aren’t so sure just yet.