Pep Guardiola believes Manchester City is demonstrating the determination needed to overtake Arsenal in the Premier League title race, particularly after their commanding win over Chelsea.
With Rayan Cherki leading the charge, City has narrowed the gap to six points behind the league leaders, maintaining a game in hand. This sets the stage for a crucial showdown between the two teams at the Etihad Stadium next Sunday.
Guardiola’s squad has remained unbeaten since January, achieving victories over notable teams such as Arsenal, Liverpool, and Chelsea, all without conceding a single goal.
“I push them, they push me,” Guardiola remarked. “When you reach the final months with a title in sight and competing in other tournaments, it’s a testament to the team’s quality. The match against Arsenal is a final for both teams.”
He praised his team’s performance in the second half, highlighting their exceptional mentality. “At this stage, it’s not about tactics. We’ve known each other for a long time, and today the players showed the right mindset to win here, which is never easy, positioning us close to the top of the league,” he added.
Pep Guardiola is confident Manchester City are showing the right mindset to topple Arsenal
City closed the gap to the Gunners at the top of the Premier League on Sunday as they beat Chelsea
After witnessing Arsenal’s surprising defeat at home against Bournemouth on Saturday, Guardiola advised his players to remain calm and not overanalyze the implications. Goals from Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, and Jeremy Doku at Stamford Bridge ensured City capitalized on the opportunity.
‘Arsenal is the best team so far in England and Europe,’ Guardiola added. ‘You can win 49 games and lose three in the last four – this is the business. The numbers are there with their consistency.
‘We have got a long week and we have to train good and prepare good and it will be difficult. I know the manager perfectly and how good he is at adjusting things.
‘We’ll adjust from the Carabao Cup final and what we have to do with our people to perform well. What defines the teams is how you play.
‘From November, January, February, if you don’t grow as a team in the way you play you won’t win. We have to insist to play better and better, that is the only thing.’
Meanwhile, Liam Rosenior insists he is confident that he can build something special with Chelsea – if given the time to do so by his bosses.
The pressure is already being piled on Rosenior from the fans, who saw their side lose a third consecutive Premier League game without scoring. The last time that happened to Chelsea was in March 1998.
‘I’m here,’ Rosenior said. ‘I need to win in this moment. This is a huge football club. When I first came, I never asked for a lot of time because I understand this club.
Guardiola told his players to ‘relax’ after watching Arsenal lose against Bournemouth
Arsenal slipped up on Saturday and they are now just six points ahead of City, who have a game in hand and are still to face their title rivals
‘I understand the traditions and the history of this club. I would like to have that time and I’m confident that, in that time, you can create something very, very special within the time that it takes, which even someone as experienced as Pep (Guardiola) or Jurgen Klopp when he won the titles he did at Liverpool, they had a year to sort things out.
‘I’ve come in January. It’s not an excuse. It’s a reality. I need to win in the now and that’s what I’ll be focused on.
‘Right now we are still in the race for the Champions League. We still have the possibility to win the FA Cup. I have to change it now. I’m not a manager that hides behind ‘maybe we need to do something with other players in the transfer market’. I need to change it now. That’s why I’m here.’
Asked whether Enzo Fernandez, who was serving an internal suspension for using the international break to flirt with Real Madrid, could have made a difference, Rosenior said: ‘Possibly, in hindsight, you see 20/20 in hindsight. I’m looking forward to having him back next week.
‘Enzo has had the conversations he’s needed to have. He’s been fantastic in the last few days in supporting myself and the team and I can’t wait to have him back in the squad.’
Chelsea face Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on April 18.
