Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola claims that Arsenal are the “best team” in the Premier League at the moment.

The Citizens lost 2-1 at home to Brentford on Saturday, meaning they will head into the break for the World Cup trailing the Gunners at the top of the table. When asked whether he agrees that Mikel Arteta’s side are the best in England, Guardiola replied:

“Yeah. Who is the first in the Premier League because you are the best team.”

The five-point gap to Arsenal means that City do have some catching up to do when they return to action on Boxing Day. They won’t have an easy time of things either, with their fixture list looking pretty tough.

After a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds, they host Everton at home before away games against Chelsea and Manchester United. Arsenal, meanwhile, take on West Ham at home, and Brighton away before matches versus Newcastle and Tottenham.

The break for the World Cup will, of course, have a massive effect on things so City fans will hope they start off in much better form at the end of December.