Guardiola knew Arsenal were building a team capable of chasing a championship. He is waiting to see whether they have the stamina to keep up their fast start.
“The last two or three years, after the process to rebuild the club and the team, Arsenal are there. It is exceptional what they are doing for two or three seasons,” Guardiola said.
“But it is early November. Nobody wins the title in early November. You can lose it – but nobody wins it.
“I know how quickly things change. One week ago it was Liverpool ‘disaster, disaster’ and now they win two and it’s ‘are they back to their best?’
“I’m sure the managers take a little bit more perspective of the situation.
“Always in a season there are ups and down.”
Liverpool head coach Slot is equally convinced there can be twists and turns in the title race, but the significance of this game cannot be escaped or underestimated.
Slot said: “At the moment, it’s not about looking at the league table. It’s just trying to win as many games as you can and give yourself the best position you can.
“But definitely two very good teams are going to play against each other and what the future will bring, we will see.
“Our only focus is ourselves. We have to get consistent improvement, get players fit and then see where it leads to.
“City is a game on its own. Playing away from home against them is one of the most difficult challenges we have throughout the season. These are the games everyone looks forward to.”
Slot’s return to his title-winning midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Alex Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has given Liverpool a more familiar, winning look in their past two games against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, with Hungarian Szoboszlai a key figure.
“Dominik has been outstanding throughout the season,” said Slot, “but the last two games brought even more out of the team and him. I really like his work without the ball, but in these games it was probably even above his own high standards.”
If Liverpool can win the midfield battle at Etihad Stadium, they will believe they can flourish – but an improving Manchester City will feel equally confident.
The stage is set for the latest titanic battle.
