Pep Guardiola says Arsenal setting benchmark for Manchester City this season

Pep Guardiola believes Arsenal have set a benchmark for his Manchester City side ahead of the Carabao Cup final.

The Gunners are in contention for a quadruple having been the Premier League’s strongest team throughout the first three-quarters of the season.

City have the chance to dent those ambitions, starting with Sunday’s meeting at Wembley.

“They control many aspects of the game and have a strong spirit from winning over many years,” said Guardiola, whose City side are also trying to claw back a nine-point gap to Arsenal in the league.

“They can defend deep or press high, and their build-up is fluid with consistent patterns. They are an exceptional team and a big challenge for us, to see our level.”

City head to the national stadium after a difficult spell, having exited the Champions League after defeats in both legs against Real Madrid and been held to a frustrating draw by West Ham.

Guardiola hopes playing at Wembley – a familiar setting – can inspire them.

He said: “Today in modern football we have a lot of games, a lot of competitions mixed during the weeks and everything.

“Psychologically you have to be prepared in the good moments and continue, and in the bad moments forget it and always learn from victories and defeats.

“We have been to Wembley 21 times in semi-finals and finals, so being there is an honour and a big challenge.”

Guardiola has confirmed second-choice goalkeeper James Trafford will start, as he has done in all domestic cup matches this season.