Pep Guardiola tells Arsenal fans to be happy with 'title' as City return to top

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has praised Arsenal for securing their return to the Champions League for the first time in seven years, claiming they have already won their most important title.

However, Arsenal fans may not be happy with Guardiola's comments, which they may view as dismissive of their team's ambitions.

Guardiola's praise came before Arsenal's brief stay at the top of the Premier League table was ended by Manchester City, who reclaimed the top spot with a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham. With a game in hand, City are now a point clear of their rivals and are widely tipped to win their fifth title in six seasons.

Arsenal have been in contention for the title for much of the campaign, but it now appears they will have to settle for a top-four finish. However, for a team that has not finished in the top four since the 2016/17 season, qualifying for the Champions League is a major achievement.

In his pre-match comments ahead of Manchester City's game against West Ham, Guardiola said: "After seven years they won the most important title in the season for the club, qualify for next season for the Champions League. Because financially, prestigious, new signs.

"For many things, it's the most important title today, by far. And it's already there. And they lost their last game and 'oh they are sad' - no I'm pretty sure they have to be so happy because they make an incredible achievement."

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta also acknowledged the importance of qualifying for the Champions League, but insisted his team wants more. "We want more, because this squad is going to demand to get what we want," Arteta said. "So congratulations and thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to that, and thank you for still being upset and not accepting that the Champions League is enough."

While for Arsenal a return to the Champions League represents a significant step forward for the club, however having led the table for majority of the season ending up without any silverware does dampen the celebrations.