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Deadspin | ATP roundup: Semifinals set at Barcelona and Munich Jan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open. Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic. Barcelona Open Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes. Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event. No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #Munich

Deadspin | ATP roundup: Semifinals set at Barcelona and Munich
Deadspin | ATP roundup: Semifinals set at Barcelona and Munich Jan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open. Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3. Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic. Barcelona Open Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes. Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event. No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #MunichJan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open.

Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic.


Barcelona Open

Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes.

Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event.

No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #ATP #roundup #Semifinals #set #Barcelona #Munich

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Jan 18, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Alex Molcan during his second round match against Felix Auger-Aliassime on day three of the 2023 Australian Open tennis tournament at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Unseeded Slovakian qualifier Alex Molcan continued his strong run in Munich on Friday and joined three top seeds in the semifinals at the BMW Open.

Molcan defeated Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-4, 6-4 in 78 minutes in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court tournament. Up next is No. 2 seed Ben Shelton, who outlasted Brazil’s Joao Fonseca 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Saturday’s other semifinal pits No. 1 seed Alexander Zverev of Germany and No. 4 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Zverev rallied for a 5-7, 6-0, 6-2 win against No. 5 Francisco Cerundolo of Argentina, while Cobolli cruised to a 6-3, 6-2 win over Vit Kopriva of the Czech Republic.

Barcelona Open

Spanish wild card Rafael Jodar roared into the semifinals with a 6-3, 6-2 victory against No. 7 seed Cameron Norrie of Great Britain in just 69 minutes.

Jodar advanced to face ninth-seeded Frenchman Arthur Fils, who earned a 6-3, 6-4 upset of No. 2 seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the quarterfinals of the ATP 500 clay-court event.

No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev and Serbian qualifier Hamad Medjedovic will meet in the other semifinal. Rublev rolled to a 6-4, 6-3 win against Czech Tomas Machac and Medjedovic took care of Portugal’s Nuno Borges, 7-6 (6), 6-2.

–Field Level Media

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Al-Hilal sold — Who is the new majority-stake owner? <div id="content-body-70875171" itemprop="articleBody"><p>The Saudi sovereign wealth fund has sold its majority stake in one of the kingdom’s top football teams, Al-Hilal.</p><p>The Public Investment Fund announced it was selling a 70 per cent stake in the record 21-time Saudi football champion to Kingdom Holding Company — a firm run by Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of Saudi Arabia’s royal family.</p><p>Al-Hilal was one of four Saudi Pro League clubs controlled by PIF. The others are Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, as well as Al-Ittihad and Al-Ahli. In football, PIF also has a majority stake in Newcastle in the English Premier League.</p><p>In a statement on Thursday, the investment fund said the sale of Al-Hilal “aligns with PIF’s strategy to maximise returns and redeploy capital within the domestic economy” in its wider bid to drive “the development and diversification of Saudi Arabia.”</p><p><b>ALSO READ | <a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/golf/liv-golf-news-funding-crisis-saudi-arabia-ceo-scott-oneil-statement-show-will-go-on-as-per-schedule/article70872567.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">LIV Golf CEO says the show will go on amid reports of Saudi Arabia funding uncertainty</a></b></p><p>“PIF is unlocking opportunities to make a transformative impact in the Saudi sports sector and deliver positive, long-term results.”</p><p>The agreement came the same week as speculation about whether PIF was on the brink of cutting its financial backing of the divisive upstart LIV Golf competition.</p><p>Following reports that PIF would be pulling out of LIV, the competition CEO said in a memo to his staff — a copy of which was sent to The <i>Associated Press</i> — that the 2026 season would go ahead “exactly as planned, uninterrupted and at full throttle.” The situation beyond 2026 remained cloudy, however.</p><p class="publish-time" id="end-of-article">Published on Apr 17, 2026</p></div> #AlHilal #sold #majoritystake #owner

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Deadspin | Padres’ sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record .9 billion A general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record .9 billion. According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal. If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for .42 billion in 2020. Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team. Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was .1 billion. Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss. Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billionA general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images

A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record $3.9 billion.

According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal.

If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for $2.42 billion in 2020.

Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team.


Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was $3.1 billion.

Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss.

Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons.

The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billion">Deadspin | Padres’ sale to Chelsea owner on deck for record .9 billion A general view of Petco Park during the fifth inning between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-Imagn Images A contentious two-year process to sell the San Diego Padres could cross the finish line with Chelsea owner Jose E. Feliciano reportedly placing a winning bid to purchase the team for a record .9 billion. According to multiple reports, the framework of the agreement has been agreed to and the transaction only needs the approval of 75 percent of MLB owners to formally finalize the deal. If approved, the sale price would shatter the previous record for an MLB franchise established when Steve Cohen purchased the New York Mets for .42 billion in 2020. Feliciano, the founder of Clearlake Capital and part owner of Chelsea FC, and his wife Kwanza Jones were in the pool of bidders engaged by the Seidler Family to buy the team. Longtime owner Peter Seidler died in 2023 and family was split on control of the team. John Seidler, currently chairman of the Padres, said in November the franchise would be sold. Forbes’ valuation of the Padres entering the 2026 season was .1 billion. Feliciano and Clearlake Capital own more than 60 percent of Chelsea. The ownership group also includes Mark Walter, Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss. Also in the running to purchase the MLB club were Joe Lacob, owner of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, the WNBA’s Valkyries and the Chase Center in San Francisco; Dan Friedkin, principal owner of three European soccer clubs; and Tom Gores, who is the owner of Platinum Equities and the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. The Wall Street Journal reported sources confirming the sale agreement have been told the Padres would like to fully finalize the sale by June. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Padres #sale #Chelsea #owner #deck #record #billion

Deadspin | Dynamo sign Mattheo Dimareli, 16, as homegrown player Mar 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of balls on the field at Shell Energy Stadium before the match between the Houston Dynamo FC and the Austin FC. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Dynamo signed 16-year-old Houston native Mattheo Dimareli as a homegrown player on Friday. The Dynamo Academy product signed an MLS Next Pro contract through June 2027 and will join the first team on an MLS contract in July 2027. The forward’s deal is guaranteed through 2027-28 with options in each of the following three seasons through 2030-31. Dimareli has played in 48 games for Dynamo 2 over the past three seasons, recording seven goals and six assists. “Mattheo is a promising young attacker who has made an impact in our organization and at the international level with U.S. and Mexico,” Dynamo president of soccer Pat Onstad said. “Our goal is, and will always be, to provide unique, high-level opportunities to the young players in our Club, and Mattheo has made the most of those opportunities, advancing through our pathway system and leaving a strong mark with the first team during training sessions and this year’s preseason.” Internationally, Dimareli is eligible to represent the U.S., Mexico, Greece or Albania. He has represented the U.S. and Mexico at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dynamo #sign #Mattheo #Dimareli #homegrown #playerMar 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of balls on the field at Shell Energy Stadium before the match between the Houston Dynamo FC and the Austin FC. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

The Dynamo signed 16-year-old Houston native Mattheo Dimareli as a homegrown player on Friday.

The Dynamo Academy product signed an MLS Next Pro contract through June 2027 and will join the first team on an MLS contract in July 2027. The forward’s deal is guaranteed through 2027-28 with options in each of the following three seasons through 2030-31.


Dimareli has played in 48 games for Dynamo 2 over the past three seasons, recording seven goals and six assists.

“Mattheo is a promising young attacker who has made an impact in our organization and at the international level with U.S. and Mexico,” Dynamo president of soccer Pat Onstad said. “Our goal is, and will always be, to provide unique, high-level opportunities to the young players in our Club, and Mattheo has made the most of those opportunities, advancing through our pathway system and leaving a strong mark with the first team during training sessions and this year’s preseason.”

Internationally, Dimareli is eligible to represent the U.S., Mexico, Greece or Albania. He has represented the U.S. and Mexico at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Dynamo #sign #Mattheo #Dimareli #homegrown #player">Deadspin | Dynamo sign Mattheo Dimareli, 16, as homegrown player Mar 18, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; General view of balls on the field at Shell Energy Stadium before the match between the Houston Dynamo FC and the Austin FC. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Dynamo signed 16-year-old Houston native Mattheo Dimareli as a homegrown player on Friday. The Dynamo Academy product signed an MLS Next Pro contract through June 2027 and will join the first team on an MLS contract in July 2027. The forward’s deal is guaranteed through 2027-28 with options in each of the following three seasons through 2030-31. Dimareli has played in 48 games for Dynamo 2 over the past three seasons, recording seven goals and six assists. “Mattheo is a promising young attacker who has made an impact in our organization and at the international level with U.S. and Mexico,” Dynamo president of soccer Pat Onstad said. “Our goal is, and will always be, to provide unique, high-level opportunities to the young players in our Club, and Mattheo has made the most of those opportunities, advancing through our pathway system and leaving a strong mark with the first team during training sessions and this year’s preseason.” Internationally, Dimareli is eligible to represent the U.S., Mexico, Greece or Albania. He has represented the U.S. and Mexico at the U-15, U-16 and U-17 levels. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Dynamo #sign #Mattheo #Dimareli #homegrown #player

Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League 2025-26 title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City has home advantage and a game in hand on the leader.

Should Guardiola’s side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, it would go top for the first time in months.

Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appears to have hit the wall in recent weeks. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month has sparked a run of just one win in five games in all competitions.

However, Guardiola is wary of the challenge facing his side in the coming weeks with tricky visits to Everton and Bournemouth in the run-in.

“If we lose, yeah, it’s over,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win (against) Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar (run-in) especially,” he added.

Arsenal has also faced the extra strain of edging past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek, while City has had seven days to prepare.

ALSO READ | Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clash

Arteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.

Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.

“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.

“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.

However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.

“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.

Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.

Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown">If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League 2025-26 title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.Mikel Arteta’s men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City has home advantage and a game in hand on the leader.Should Guardiola’s side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, it would go top for the first time in months.Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appears to have hit the wall in recent weeks. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month has sparked a run of just one win in five games in all competitions.However, Guardiola is wary of the challenge facing his side in the coming weeks with tricky visits to Everton and Bournemouth in the run-in.“If we lose, yeah, it’s over,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win (against) Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar (run-in) especially,” he added.Arsenal has also faced the extra strain of edging past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek, while City has had seven days to prepare.ALSO READ | Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clashArteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.Published on Apr 17, 2026 #Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown

Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clash

Arteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.

Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.

“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.

“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.

However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.

“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.

Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.

Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown">If Manchester City loses, ‘it’s over’, says Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal Premier League title showdown

Pep Guardiola said an Arsenal victory at Manchester City on Sunday would end the Premier League 2025-26 title race, but that his side would have a lot more work to do even if it beats the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s men hold a six point lead at the top of the table, but City has home advantage and a game in hand on the leader.

Should Guardiola’s side win the battle between the top two and at struggling Burnley on Wednesday, it would go top for the first time in months.

Aiming to win a first league title in 22 years, Arsenal appears to have hit the wall in recent weeks. Defeat to City in the League Cup final last month has sparked a run of just one win in five games in all competitions.

However, Guardiola is wary of the challenge facing his side in the coming weeks with tricky visits to Everton and Bournemouth in the run-in.

“If we lose, yeah, it’s over,” said Guardiola at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

“But the other two results, knowing that Arsenal didn’t win (against) Bournemouth, we still have games to play. Six games is a lot, given our calendar (run-in) especially,” he added.

Arsenal has also faced the extra strain of edging past Sporting Lisbon to reach the Champions League semifinals in midweek, while City has had seven days to prepare.

ALSO READ | Howe provides Guimaraes update ahead of Newcastle United vs Bournemouth Premier League clash

Arteta hailed his players’ effort in becoming the only English side to make the final four despite a brutal schedule across four competitions.

Guardiola insisted Arsenal has shown itself to be the best team in England until now and warned his players about being “distracted” by the focus on the title race.

“They have been the best so far but we want to challenge them,” added Guardiola.

“I said today to the players, ‘it is just a football game’ and we have to approach it like a football game. If you get distracted by emotions, that is how you lose focus. What is the target? It is to perform well, and that is exactly what you have got to do in all the aspects required to challenge a team like Arsenal,” he added.

However, City striker Erling Haaland has described the clash as “like a final” for the title.

“It’s a massive game without a doubt. We all know the importance of this game. It’s like a final,” Haaland told Sky Sports.

“It’s probably the biggest and the best game there will be, so hopefully it can be an amazing game. These are the games you want to play and these are the moments you want to be in,” he noted.

Guardiola confirmed that Nico O’Reilly, who scored both goals in the League Cup final, is fit despite coming off injured in last weekend’s 3-0 win at Chelsea.

Captain Ruben Dias, though, remains sidelined.

Published on Apr 17, 2026

#Manchester #City #loses #Pep #Guardiola #ahead #Arsenal #Premier #League #title #showdown

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