Guardiola knows Arsenal have built a team capable of chasing a championship. He was waiting to see if they had the stamina to keep up their fast start.
“The last two or three years, after the process of rebuilding the club and the team, Arsenal is there. It’s different from what they did for two or three seasons,” said Guardiola.
“But it’s early November. Nobody wins the title in early November. You can lose it – but nobody wins it.
“I know how quickly things can change. A week ago it was Liverpool disaster, disaster ‘and now they’re winning at their best?’
“I’m sure the managers are taking a bit of a view of the situation.
“Every once in a while there are ups.”
Facerpool Head Coach Slot is equally convinced that it can twists and turns in the title race, but the importance of this game cannot be avoided or unstoppable.
Slot said: “At the moment, it’s not about looking at the league table. It’s just trying to win as much as you can and give the best position you can.
“But for sure two very good teams will play against each other and what’s to come, we’ll see.
“Our only focus is on ourselves. We need to get constant improvement, get the right players and then see where it goes.
“City is a game in itself. Playing away from home against them is one of the toughest challenges we have of the season. These are the games everyone is looking forward to.”
Slot’s return to his title midifield of Ryan Gravenebrech, Alex Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai which was more familiar in both games against Assila Szoboszlai was a key figure.
“Dominik has been amazing throughout the season,” said the slot, “but the last two games have brought the team out without the ball, but in these games it’s probably beyond his high standards.”
If Liverpool can win Gidfield Labak in the battle at the Etihad Stadium, they will believe they can improve – but an improvement at City City will feel equal confidence.
The stage is set for the latest titanic battle.