Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, as claimed it would be difficult to beat Arsenal twice within weeks.

Guardiola was speaking after his side thrashed Chelsea 3-0 on Sunday, to go within six points of the Gunners.

The top two teams will face each other at the Etihad next Sunday, with City looking to repeat the 2-0 success over Mikel Arteta’s men in the Carabao Cup final.

“Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks,” Guardiola told reporters.

“So we have to rest, prepare and read exactly what we have to do. But I would like to say to my fans: respect Arsenal a lot. They’re an extraordinary team. They are. It’s not naive, it’s not to make them feel something that they are not.

“But at the same time: come join us and support us minute one. The players will do the maximum.”

EPL: It will be difficult to beat Arsenal twice – Guardiola speaks after Chelsea win