Pep Guardiola says 'season starts now' as Man City resume title chase

City travel to Newcastle on Saturday, one day before Arsenal face Tottenham in the north London derby. Guardiola said the end of the November international break marks the point where the schedule becomes continuous and the title race begins to take shape.

"There are two parts of the season: when the transfer window ends in the summer, and after the international breaks are over," Guardiola said. "Now we will see each other every three or four days until March. The real season starts now."

Guardiola stressed the importance of staying within reach of Arsenal, describing Mikel Arteta's side as highly consistent. Before the break, City moved four points behind the league leaders after a 3â-0 win over Liverpool combined with Arsenal's draw at Sunderland.

"The feeling is that Arsenal will not drop many points," he said. "It is similar to when we were competing with Liverpool. If the distance becomes too big, it is difficult to recover. Nothing is decided in November, but it is important to be close."

City will be without midfielders Rodri and Mateo Kovacic at St James' Park. Guardiola said Rodri is recovering from his latest setback and needs time to regain full fitness.

A win for City on Saturday would reduce Arsenal's lead to one point ahead of Sunday's derby.

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