Manchester City is facing a must-win against league leaders Arsenal in title-swinging clash

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has called Sunday’s Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal a final, saying defeat would effectively end his side’s title hopes ahead of the much-anticipated showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has called Sunday’s Premier League clash with leaders Arsenal a final, saying defeat would effectively end his side’s title hopes ahead of the much-anticipated showdown at the Etihad Stadium.

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City trails Arsenal by six points but have a game in hand, and victory would cut the gap while ramping up the pressure as the race enters its decisive phase.

Guardiola, however, said there was little room for error, acknowledging that anything less than three points would leave his team facing too steep a climb.