'If they carry on, we won't catch them': Pep Guardiola concedes Man City will not be able to reel in Arsenal in the title race if the Gunners continue their current form... with Mikel Arteta's side currently on track for 100 POINTS

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Pep Guardiola fears Arsenal can hit the 100-point mark this season, and has warned his Manchester City players that they have to be ‘almost perfect’ for the rest of the season to catch the Gunners.

City trail leaders Arsenal by eight points with a game in hand going into Thursday’s trip to Chelsea after they dropped points in the New Year’s Eve draw at home to Everton.

Guardiola is wary of letting Mikel Arteta’s side get any further ahead in the title race because he believes Arsenal are capable of reaching a century of points – a feat only City have achieved back in 2018.

Pep Guardiola thinks his Man City side need Arsenal to drop their level to catch them

Mikel Arteta's side have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the table

The Gunners are currently on course to pick up 100 points this season

Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by third-placed Newcastle at home on Tuesday night, but Guardiola said: ‘They could do more than 100 points if they keep this average, and we will not catch them. We have to be almost perfect and hope they drop.

‘Last night they were excellent. We have to reduce the gap by playing good and winning games.

‘It’s the Premier League and every game is tough. I don’t know when I’m asked for my predictions, we’ll see what happens until the end. After the World Cup, many things are going to happen.

‘There are many weeks (left) and a lot will happen. We have not finished the first leg. Many things will happen for all clubs and teams, we’ll see.

Guardiola has insisted Bernardo Silva remains a key player for City despite uncertainty over his future

‘Against Everton, we were not disappointed or sad about what we did. We have margins to improve, and hopefully we can do it in the next games.’

Bernardo Silva has cast fresh doubt over his future by suggesting in a recent interview that he may look to leave the Etihad in the summer.

Guardiola says the Portugal star remains an important figure for the champions, but reiterated that the ultimate decision lies with Bernardo.

‘He’s a key player, so important on and off the pitch,’ added Guardiola. ‘We can talk and have a nice conversation, and always you learn something. He’s incredibly reliable against the top sides. Nothing changes about his future, it belongs to him.’