LONDON – Manchester City have gone under the radar this season but they know very well they are emerging as the main challengers to Premier League leaders Arsenal, who are just two points ahead.

Next up for Pep Guardiola’s City is a trip to high-flying Crystal Palace on Dec 14.

The Spaniard was supposed to speak to journalists on Dec 12 to preview the match, but he missed the press conference with a “personal issue”. In his absence, his assistant Kolo Toure took over media duties.

“We just focus on what we can do. We know the quality of Arsenal, they have a really strong squad, fantastic manager, but it’s all down to us,” said the Ivorian, who also confirmed that Guardiola will be fine and in the dugout for the game.

“I think what we’re doing at the moment is good because we play well, we find a way to get some results, and of course I know that the team can be better. We are improving, we are growing.

“When you play and work for Man City, you know that every competition is very important and the target is to win them. That’s why every day we’re working hard to make sure we can put the team under pressure and try to win the trophies that we can.”

Guardiola’s men, seeking their fifth successive win in all competitions, can take heart from the fact that they have not been beaten at Selhurst Park since 2015.

But they face a tough task against fourth-place Palace, who have the tightest defence in the league apart from Arsenal, with just 12 goals conceded.

The Eagles have reached 26 points after 15 Premier League matches – their best start to a top-flight campaign and double the tally they had at this stage of last season.

The highlight of 2025 for Oliver Glasner’s team was beating City in the FA Cup final in May, which ensured qualification for Europe. Now Palace, who have already beaten Liverpool at home this season, are in the top four as they aim even higher.