Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has acknowledged the challenge his team faces in the Premier League title race but insists “many things can happen” in the final 13 games.
City closed the gap on leaders Arsenal to six points with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday. The match saw Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboszlai sent off in added time for pulling down Erling Haaland to deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
Despite the six points difference, Guardiola urged caution. “OK, it is a big gap, but many things can happen, so it’s better to have the three points,” he stated. “Who knows if six points is enough for Arsenal? Thirteen games is a lot.”
The City boss pointed to the intense schedule facing all top clubs, with the FA Cup and Champions League returning alongside the Carabao Cup final. He also highlighted the unpredictable nature of matches against teams fighting for survival or European places.
“From experience, 13 games is a lot of time. It is so, so difficult, but the important thing is to be there,” Guardiola explained. “All we can do is breathe down the neck of Arsenal, being there, and try if they slip, if they make a mistake, use it.”
A crucial factor in the race could be the head-to-head meeting between the two sides. Manchester City are scheduled to host Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium later in the season. “Of course we have to beat them,” Guardiola added.
The focus now shifts to the next league fixtures. Manchester City will host Fulham at the Etihad Stadium, while Arsenal face a tough away match against Brentford as the title race continues to unfold.