Arsenal fans pray ‘I hope this isn’t mind games’ after Pep Guardiola rules key pair out of huge Man City title clash

ARSENAL fans are hoping Pep Guardiola isn’t playing “mind games” with his bombshell team news announcement ahead of the Gunners’ trip to the Etihad.

The North Londoners face the defending Premier League champions in a crunch top-of-the-table clash on Sunday afternoon.

Arsenal and Manchester City collide in a titanic title tussle at the Etihad on SundayRex

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But City and England Kyle Walker and John Stones will both the crunch clash[/caption]

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City boss Pep Guardiola dropped the bombshell news on Friday afternoon[/caption]

The Gunners will be boosted by the news that City and England duo Kyle Walker and John Stones will miss the match through injuries they picked up on international duty.

Guardiola said Friday afternoon: “Kyle and John are out. It is what it is.

“[The injury for] Kyle tougher than John but I don’t know how many games.”

Several of the Emirates faithful rejoiced at the extension of City’s injury crisis.

Although plenty of Gooners were quick to accuse Guardiola of trying to play “mind games” ahead of the titanic title clash.

One wrote on X: “I hope this isn’t mind games.”

Another said: “Mind games. I ain’t falling for this.”

And another said: “Pep mind games, they will both start.”

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Arsenal and Manchester City are currently first and third respectively in the Prem table[/caption]

One remarked: “A mind game.”

Another chimed in: “They’ll be available.”

Mikel Arteta‘s Gunners currently top the table with 64 points to their name, although they’re only ahead of second-placed Liverpool on goal difference.

City, meanwhile, are a solitary point behind the Merseysiders in third place.

Guardiola said of his troops’ current position: “It’s good to be here with two titles and in contention for three titles after what happened last season.

“We made incredible work. Now with the last 10 games of the Premier League at home with our people.

“I’m pretty sure they will give us what we need to perform to our best.

“Right now every game is so important. If we are able to do it, the next game will be important as well.”