Man City manager Pep Guardiola cautions Arsenal: ‘Many developments can occur’ in championship competition.
Pep Guardiola has stated that Manchester City can still close the gap on Arsenal in the Premier League, cautioning their competitors that “a lot can happen in 13 games,” following a 2-1 victory at Liverpool that reduced the deficit at the top of the standings to six points.
City scored two goals in the last six minutes, with Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland finding the net to overturn Dominik Szoboszlai’s opener in the 74th minute, securing three points for Guardiola’s team and achieving a league double over Liverpool for the first time in 89 years.
This victory allows City to potentially narrow the gap to three points behind Arsenal, who are set to face Brentford on Thursday, if they manage to defeat Fulham at the Etihad on Wednesday.
Guardiola is confident that the pressure associated with a title race means City still have the opportunity to surpass Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal to claim the championship.
“We are six points behind,” Guardiola remarked. “Yes, it is a significant gap, but many things can occur, so it’s advantageous to have the three points.”
“Who knows if six points is sufficient [for Arsenal], but 13 games is a considerable amount, and the FA Cup is approaching, along with the Carabao Cup final, and the Champions League returns in March, plus injuries will occur.”
“There are also other teams competing for various objectives — European spots, battling against relegation, and facing teams in a relegation fight means they are striving hard to survive, making it a genuine contest.”
“Thus, from experience, 13 games is a substantial period. The run-in is extremely challenging, but the key is to remain in contention.”
“All we can do is stay close to Arsenal, be present, and take advantage if they falter or make an error.”
“We have to face them [Arsenal] at home, so naturally, we must secure a victory.”
City appeared to have secured a 3-1 win in the dying moments when Rayan Cherki scored from inside his own half, but the goal was disallowed due to a clash between Haaland and Szoboszlai as the ball neared the net.
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After a VAR review of the incident, referee Craig Pawson awarded a free-kick to City and issued a red card to Szoboszlai for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity, despite the ball finding the net.
Guardiola expressed that the goal should have been allowed, and Szoboszlai should not have received a red card.
“Common sense, right?” Guardiola stated. “How many pulls occur in the game that referees allow to continue? Just award the goal, keep playing, and let Szobo continue.”
