Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says Arsenal in better position ahead of Community Shield clash

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has said that Arsenal are in a better position than his side ahead of the FA Community Shield clash on August 6, Sunday.

In the 2022-2023 Premier League season, the Gunners emerged as a formidable contender for the title, pushing Manchester City to the brink in an intense competition. The London side, under the leadership of Mikel Arteta, displayed a remarkable performance throughout the season, despite ultimately falling short.

However, Guardiola feels that the Gunners hold the advantage at the moment given City's final stretch last season.

"The situation that we are in, we finished (last season) two weeks later than Arsenal and we start (this season) two weeks later. So, we are not in the best way," the Spaniard told reporters, as quoted by Reuters.

"We struggle to restart every season but it's fine, and hopefully our mentality can help us to be there and compete."

The summer of 2023 saw Arsenal making significant moves in the transfer market, investing heavily to bolster their squad. The club spent a staggering £208 million, surpassing their previous record of £156.8 million spent in the summer of 2021. The most notable signings included Declan Rice from West Ham for £105 million, Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million, and Jurrien Timber from Ajax for £38 million. These strategic acquisitions were part of Arsenal's ambitious plan to close the gap with reigning champions Manchester City.

Speaking about Arsenal's business in the summer, Guardiola said that they have bought a great player in Rice and all the players they have got in the window are starters.

"Rice decided to go to Arsenal, I wish him all the best. He is a really nice guy, for the England team he is important. Arsenal have bought a really good player," Guardiola said.

"They didn't buy players to make the squad bigger, they have bought starting players. I could not expect anything different."