Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola called on the club’s fans to show respect to Arsenal ahead of the two sides’ potentially decisive meeting in the Premier League title race.

City took advantage of Arsenal’s 2-1 home defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday as they eased to a 3-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, cutting the deficit to the Gunners to six points. Nico O’Reilly opened the scoring with a header, before Marc Guehi and Jeremy Doku secured the victory.

Though Arsenal still hold the advantage, City have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta’s men and face them at the Etihad Stadium next Sunday.

City beat Arsenal 2-0 in last month’s EFL Cup final and the title race appears to be turning firmly in the favour of Guardiola’s men ahead of the biggest game of the league season.

Guardiola urges Manchester City ‘respect’

The visiting fans who made the trip to Stamford Bridge relentlessly mocked Mikel Arteta’s men in the second half, with one fan holding up a bottle with a picture of the Arsenal crest stuck on it, City’s supporters revelling in the prospect of the leaders potentially “bottling” another title race.

Guardiola, though, urged the fans not to get carried away.

“We are going to play against a team that in 49 games lost three games, in Champions League didn’t lose once,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

“In the Carabao Cup final City were complete underdogs – there is not one person in this country that would bet £1 that we would be much better. Maybe now it’s a bit different. 

“The respect I have for Arsenal, what they have done the last few years. I know the manger, the players, the quality, how they compete in every circumstance, that’s the biggest job we have. There is tactical issue, maybe we will adjust something. 

“They have been the best team in this country, in Europe, so far. Beating Arsenal once is so difficult, imagine beating them twice in a few weeks. We have to rest. 

“I would like to say to my fans – respect Arsenal a lot, they are an extraordinary team. Come to join us from minute one because the players will do the maximum.”

Rayan Cherki was once again influential for City, with his right-wing cross teeing up O’Reilly for the 51st-minute opener, before his sublime pass found Guehi following a short corner routine, the centre-back turning and finishing with the composure of a striker.

Asked about Cherki, Guardiola replied: “Rayan is an extraordinary talent – the second goal, the pass to Marc. The problem for Rayan is sometimes he plays in positions too close to [goalkeeper Gianluigi] Donnarumma, your talent has to be in the final third. Be close to [Erling] Haaland, close to wingers. 

“We will bring the ball to you. It’s not necessary to come down [the pitch]. He is so young, his impact in Premier League in first season… he is already an extraordinary player. He has the desire to be even better. That will be good for City and him.”

“I am always happy when you win away at stadiums such as Stamford Bridge. The fans are happy, we are happier.

“Second half was was much better – it was not bad first half, but some players were not as they needed to be. We attacked a bit left side, but right side we attacked without threat. Second half was better on both sides.”