Man City head coach Pep Guardiola (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola has insisted he is only concerned about improving Manchester City and namechecked Arsenal after his side's defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday. City slipped to a 1-0 defeat as the Gunners beat Crystal Palace by the same scoreline to move four points clear at the top of the table.

Guardiola’s side have history of chasing down Arsenal in the title race, memorably overhauling them in the 2023-24 season, and look set to have to do it again if they want to get their hands on the trophy. But the City boss is not getting too worried just yet.

“Arsenal have been solid for many years, this time the concern is how we can improve, better, better, better and to be close,” he said after a third successive loss at Villa Park. “From my experience it (the season) is so long. So long. This is my experience. There are many teams there.

“I was worried before the international break (September) when we were 14th in the table. If they win all their games...