Victory over Burnley will lift Cityzens to top of the table with five games to come in the run-in
Pep Guardiola wants Manchester City to remain focused after their 2-1 win over Arsenal put them in good stead to win the Premier League this season.
Victory at the Etihad left City three points behind Arsenal, with Guardiola’s side having six games remaining, one more than Mikel Arteta’s team. Guardiola said: “It gives us hope, I said to the guys: ‘Enjoy the moment but don’t lose focus right now as we have three or four long weeks left.’
“People say we have momentum but when you see them [Arsenal] compete they are an extraordinary team, otherwise you cannot be all season top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League.
“I know how difficult it is to beat them once, imagine twice. They stepped a little bit higher in the Carabao Cup final [which City won]. Who is top of the league? We are not. In goal difference, they are better. But of course, we have hopes and still extend the chance to fight until the end.”
City took the lead through Rayan Cherki in the 16th minute, but Kai Havertz equalised almost immediately after charging down a clearance from Gianluigi Donnarumma. Erling Haaland then scored from close range to secure the win.
Guardiola added: “This was the best two teams in England – a good advertisement worldwide. When I see what I see in my team, what can I say?”
City have a chance to improve their goal difference, currently one behind Arsenal’s, when they travel to Burnley next. Fixtures against Everton, Brentford, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa follow.
Arsenal face Newcastle United next, before matches against Fulham, West Ham United, Burnley and Crystal Palace.
Midfielder Rodri is a doubt for the Burnley game after picking up a groin issue. Guardiola said: “Some groin problem. We will make tests later or Monday.”
Haaland was involved in a physical contest with Gabriel Magalhaes and felt the defender was fortunate to avoid a red card. The forward said: “If I fell on the floor, which I will not do unless somebody really attacks me, it would maybe have been a red card. It is what it is. Every game now is a final. The Burnley game is as important as this. We need to focus, stay humble and concentrate on the next one.”
Reflecting on his winning goal, Haaland added: “I was quite happy, I have to be honest. It was a great moment for me and a great win. It’s always like this, a lot of fighting with Gabriel. I scored the goal. I won the battle over him in that decisive moment. It’s for other people to decide if I won the battle overall.”
