Guardiola admits Arsenal are "getting stronger and stronger" as title race heats up

Guardiola admits Arsenal are "getting stronger and stronger" as title race heats up

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has spoken to the media as he prepares to face Brighton this week.

City have been held by Sunderland and Chelsea in the past two game weeks and now sit six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal whilst only being above Aston Villa on goal difference.

Brighton make their way to the Etihad having let in at least two goals in each of their last three away games, and City must beat the Seagulls if they are to keep their title dreams alive this season.

Guardiola first provided team news on a number of defenders who are unlikely to feature against Brighton this week in what is a major defensive blow.

On Ruben Dias' injury: "It is a hamstring. Four to six weeks."

On John Stones: "No idea. He is not ready for the next games."

On Nathan Ake: "He is fine."

On Josko Gvardiol: "He is out for a long time."

Missing so many players creates a huge challenge for any top manager but Guardiola remained positive and said he will be looking at solutions.

"You knew it before you asked me, every single player. I told you, everybody knows it (is difficult).

"We have Nathan (Ake) back, a central defender. Max Alleyne has come back from his loan at Watford. We appreciate Watford for what they have done for the young lad. That is the situation."

"Of course. We can always cope."

City could close the gap to three points with victory here before Arsenal host Liverpool on Thursday night. Guardiola will be desperate for a vital 3 points which could lift spirits in the City camp who have Aston Villa breathing down their necks. When asked about how strong Arsenal this season, Guardiola admitted they are only improving.

"So strong. So strong. The last two or three seasons they have been so strong and they are getting stronger and stronger. They are."

Will City dip into the transfer market to help deter Arsenal: "Maybe we get something but it is completely different (to last season). We are not going to buy four our five players like last season.

"To have the best transfer net spend in the country. We are not but apparently we always are."