- Pep Guardiola impressed by Brentford
- Complimentary of manager Keith Andrews
- Expects tricky match on Saturday
Manchester City’s next opponents are punching above their weight this season, so Pep Guardiola knows just how tough a task defeating them will be.
The Premier League season is almost over, meaning Manchester City do not have long to catch up with Arsenal.
Five points separate the teams, but the Citizens have a chance to reduce this to two with a win over Brentford on Saturday.
However, Keith Andrews’ team are having a fine season and sit three positions above Everton, who just held City to a draw.
Pep Guardiola expects Brentford to provide a challenging game
Brentford are seventh in the Premier League table and despite a poor run of form in recent weeks, they walloped West Ham last weekend.
The Bees are looking to build on this result and Guardiola is well aware that they will not go down without a fight.
He said during his pre-match press conference: “[Brentford are] so good. [It’s] not easy to replace Thomas [Frank], so an incredible season.
“It is clear what they do and it is difficult to challenge them but at the same time, three games left and we go for it.”
Guardiola knows what is at stake
With Arsenal discovering some good form, it seems unlikely that they will drop points in more than one of their three remaining matches.
This means Man City have to pick up every point on offer between now and the end of the season to have any chance of winning the league.
Additionally, goal difference would come into play if Arsenal draw one of their remaining matches, meaning City must aim to be winning games substantially.
City must be strong in defence
Creating chances and scoring goals did not prove to be a problem for Man City against Everton, but there were major issues at the other end of the pitch.
City’s defending was really poor in the second half and it all started with a careless moment from Marc Guehi.
However, Guardiola has backed the England international, adding: “He makes a top game. He knows he made a mistake but it is part of the game. So a part of that he makes a top game.”
To keep the pressure on Arsenal, having Guehi and the defensive line as a whole on song will be crucial.
