Pep Guardiola just said what Arsenal fans already knew about the title race

This is officially Arsenal's title to lose, and everyone, from the players at the club, to those at Manchester City, knows it by now.

Even Pep Guardiola, who is not used to playing catch-up with anyone when it comes to league titles. knows it is Arsenal's to lose at the moment.

Of course, in this sport, anything can happen, and just because Arsenal have the advantage at the moment does not necessarily mean they will keep the advantage till the end of the season.

They have been at this stage before and ended up losing the title, and Mikel Arteta would be hoping it does not happen this time around.

Guardiola, on the other hand, is hoping for the opposite, and knows the importance of winning every game possible from now on.

Pep Guardiola just said what Arsenal fans already knew about the title race

That is what he said after City's last-minute win over Liverpool over the weekend. He was asked about the title race and his answer was exactly what you would expect.

He said: "We are six points behind Arsenal. OK, it is a big gap, but many things can happen, so it's better to have the three points. Who knows if six points are enough for Arsenal, but 13 games is a lot, and the FA Cup is coming, the Carabao Cup final too, the Champions League is back in March, and injuries will happen.

"There are also other teams playing for things -- European positions, fighting against relegation and playing against teams in a relegation battle, which means they are trying a lot to survive, and it is a proper game.

"So 13 games from experience is a lot of time. It is so, so difficult, but the important thing is to be there. All we can do is breathe down the neck of Arsenal, be there, and try if they slip, if they make a mistake, use it. We have to play Arsenal at home, so of course we have to beat them."

That is something Guardiola and his teams have gotten used to throughout his career. Irrespective of how far behind they are the leaders, they almost always find a way to make it closer than anticipated, and in many cases, win the whole thing by going on an unbelievable streak of wins.

The last point he made is also crucial - if Arsenal lose to Manchester City, when they play them at the Etihad, the six-point lead - or whatever it is at that point - gets cut down, and then it becomes really, really challenging for the Gunners to fight for the title.

However, if Arsenal show the consistency that they were showing at the start of the season - irrespective of how well they play or how much they struggle - then it won't matter what City do. Arsenal have the upper hand here, and it is time everyone at the club realises that, and puts it to good use.