Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris believes Arsenal are ‘more clinical’ in front of goal after Manchester City’s 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light on Thursday evening.
After Arsenal sealed a 4-1 win at home to Aston Villa on Tuesday, pressure was back on City to keep pace with Mikel Arteta’s side at the top of the Premier League.
However, Sunderland’s stubborn defensive display and City’s failure to take their chances in the second half mean that the Black Cats have now extended their unbeaten run at home to 10 games this season, while the result has left City four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Guardiola’s side host Chelsea, who parted ways with Enzo Maresca on New Year’s Day, at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, while Arsenal will be seven points clear at the top of the table if they win away to Bournemouth on Saturday.
When asked what he has made of facing City and Arsenal this season, Le Bris said: ‘They are really good.
‘It will be a question of consistency, it’s always the case. They are a bit different, but I think they are competitive for the title.’
When asked about the differences between City and Arsenal, Le Bris replied: ‘I think probably in a few words, I would say Arsenal are a bit more clinical, a bit more direct with their ability to score, even if it’s not pass, pass, pass.
‘Here, we can feel the identity of Pep Guardiola. Even if Mikel Arteta is Spanish as well, I think Guardiola is impressive in the way he can build up the play.’
Meanwhile, Guardiola described Sunderland, who are now seventh in the Premier League, as a ‘difficult opponent’ after City’s stalemate.
‘Tough place to come, the amount of chances we missed in the six-yard box, not difficult ones, we could not convert,’ Guardiola said.
‘We didn’t do what we talked about in the first half, but in general it was a really good game against a fantastic team.
‘I’m so proud of my players against a difficult opponent. We did everything we could to win.
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‘The guys are a bit heads down, but we have to be heads up because in three days we have a difficult game against Chelsea.’
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