Pep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City no longer control their own destiny in the Premier League title race, yet insists the champions will keep pushing until the final whistle of the season.
In a rollercoaster clash at Everton, City looked on course to tighten the gap at the summit when Jeremy Doku fired them ahead just before the break.
However, momentum quickly swung as the hosts struck back with three goals, turning the contest on its head.
Nevertheless, in true title-chasing fashion, City responded late on, with Erling Haaland and Doku combining to salvage a dramatic 3-3 draw.
Still, the dropped points leave Arsenal five points clear with only three games remaining.
Reflecting after the final whistle, Guardiola remained defiant despite the setback.
“We take the point and until it’s over, we’re going to continue,” Guardiola said.
“It’s better than a loss. We played to win. It just shows what the team are. We tried and we have done it. It’s not in our hands. Before it was in our hands. Now, no.
“We have to do it in our four games that we have in the Premier League. It will be quite similar against Brentford. We will see what happens.”
Meanwhile, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge posed by Everton, particularly in the second half when the game shifted into a physical, high-tempo battle.
“Everton away is always difficult and I give credit to them for their composure and aggression.
“Second half, they made a step up. We didn’t have as much control and we gave away the goal. After that they come back and make a proper English game, so aggressive in the duels.
“But in general we made a really good performance. It’s not easy because they play so well defensively, with 10 players there and the fast transitions.”
As the title race enters its decisive phase, City must now rely on slip-ups from Arsenal while maintaining perfection in their remaining fixtures.
Up next, Guardiola’s side return to the Etihad, where another must-win encounter awaits against Brentford.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
