Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City are not out of the title race and can still catch league leaders Arsenal after their 2-1 comeback win over Liverpool on Sunday.
The Gunners extended their gap at the top of the standings to nine points after their 3-0 on Saturday, but City’s win in Sunday reduced the deficit to just six points with 13 matches to play.
The win on Sunday marked the first time the Cityzens will complete the double over Liverpool in the Premier League in 89 years, keeping their title hopes alive.
We are six points behind,” Guardiola said after the match.
“OK, it is a big gap, but many things can happen, so it’s better to have the three points.
Who knows if six points is enough [for Arsenal], but 13 games is a lot and the FA Cup is coming, the Carabao Cup final too, the Champions League is back in March and injuries will happen.
“There are also other teams playing for things — European positions, fighting against relegation and playing against teams in a relegation battle means they are trying a lot to survive and it is a proper game”, the Spaniard added.
Dominik Szoboszlai opened the scoring for Liverpool with a stunning freekick goal in the 74th minute, before Bernando Silva leveled matters with six minutes to play.
Erling Haaland then scored a penalty in stoppage-time after Alisson had brought down Matheus Nunes, before Rayan Cherki had a goal ruled out for a foul in the buildup.
Szoboszlai was also sent off for a shirt pull on Haaland in the same sequence of play as City held on for a famous 2-1 win.
“So 13 games from experience is a lot of time. It [the run-in] is so, so difficult, but the important thing is to be there”, Guardiola continued.
“All we can do is breathe down the neck of Arsenal, being there, and try if they slip, if they make something [a mistake], use it.
“We have to play them [Arsenal] at home, so of course we have to beat them.”
Manchester City have the chance to reduce the gap to three points when they host Fulham on Wednesday, before Arsenal face Brentford on Thursday night.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
