- Pep Guardiola discussed the Premier League title race
- Man City still need Arsenal to drop points
- Guardiola warned City’s calendar remains demanding
Manchester City have kept the Premier League title race alive, but Pep Guardiola knows the situation is no longer fully in their control.
City’s 3-0 win over Brentford moved them to within two points of Arsenal, piling pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side before their trip to West Ham.
However, despite the win, the Sky Blues are still dependent on the Gunners dropping points. With no games in hand remaining, Guardiola will be wishing for an Arsenal loss in the next three games.
Regardless, the Catalan gaffer made it clear after the Brentford clash that a loss or draw will be a favour for their league title push.
Pep Guardiola admits Man City need Arsenal help
Guardiola asked whether there could still be more twists in the Premier League title race after City’s 3-0 win over Brentford.
The City boss praised the team’s performance despite his side facing pressure to chase. However, he compared Arsenal’s consistency to Liverpool’s best seasons, suggesting a tough title race.
“We’re fighting against, like Liverpool [in the past], a colossal team. They’re in the Champions League final, they didn’t lose one game in this competition, top of the league almost all season.”
“It’s not in our hands now, so it depends on they have to drop points. It’s simple; just two weeks, and the season will be over, and we have to, every moment, and the spirit I have seen.”
He added, “This is a team that defines. At the end, you can lose, but try to do our job, and we’ll see what happens.”
Guardiola highlights demanding Man City run-in
Man City face a tougher run-in than Arsenal right at the end of the campaign. The Citizens also have a demanding schedule to top it all off.
Guardiola’s side face Crystal Palace on Wednesday before the FA Cup final against Chelsea, followed by a trip to Bournemouth and a final-day meeting with Aston Villa.
“All we can do is Wednesday [vs Crystal Palace] win again, play the final of the FA Cup, and Bournemouth,” Guardiola said.
He further added, “Look at Bournemouth, how they are in this moment, not the best place to go. And look at Aston Villa, the last ones. The calendar is really, really demanding.”
Andoni Iraola’s side will probably be the toughest clash for City. The Cherries have won four of their last five Premier League games and have only drawn once.
City cannot afford to wait for the title race to turn
The win against Brentford was the biggest statement Man City could make this late. The Carabao Cup winners have now turned the pressure on Arsenal.
The Gunners, on the other hand, can’t even afford a draw as City are too close in goal difference to be beaten cleanly.
Just winning by one extra goal difference and an Arsenal draw is all Guardiola needs to win the league title.
Although there are caveats, with City’s attack in top form, they can expect to keep the GF difference big enough to win the Premier League if drawn on GD and points.
