Hopeful Guardiola wants Manchester City to keep pressure on Arsenal in title race
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has urged his side to keep the pressure firmly on Arsenal in the Premier League title race, insisting City can only focus on winning their remaining matches as the season heads into its decisive stretch.
Pep Guardiola has called on Manchester City to keep the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race, saying his side must focus solely on winning their remaining matches as the season approaches its climax.
City host Brentford F.C. at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton F.C. left the champions with little room for error in the title race.
Arsenal F.C. are five points clear at the top with three games remaining, while City still have four matches left and a game in hand. A victory against Brentford would reduce the gap before Arsenal face West Ham United later in the week.
“Put pressure on Arsenal winning our games,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “That’s all we have to do. All we can do.”
City were on the verge of defeat at Goodison Park before Jeremy Doku struck twice, including a stunning late equaliser that rescued a point for Guardiola’s side. The Belgian winger has now scored four goals in his last five appearances and is enjoying his most productive season since arriving at the club.
“I’m so glad,” Guardiola said. “Not just the goals, the assists, also contributing defensively. Jeremy has been amazing this season.”
City could receive another timely boost with Rodri closing in on a return from the groin injury he suffered during last month’s win over Arsenal.
“He still doesn't feel completely comfortable. He will be ready and fit and come back, we will see this afternoon or tomorrow,” Guardiola said.
Defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias have also resumed training after injury layoffs, strengthening City’s options for the decisive final stretch of the campaign.
“Last season Gvardiol was an important player for us and he played many games,” Guardiola said. “Happy he is back and hopefully he can help us in the final part of the season.”
Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles since taking charge in 2016, said City must make their remaining home fixtures count while hoping Arsenal stumble under pressure.
“I love to play at home,” Guardiola said. “So hopefully the fans can come and put pressure on Arsenal, winning our games.”
City have not lost a league match since January, but Brentford arrive in strong form themselves. Thomas Frank’s side have suffered just one defeat in their last eight Premier League games and remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
“So good... clear what they do and difficult to challenge them,” Guardiola said about Brentford.
“But same time, three games left, Etihad, and go for it.”
Pep Guardiola has called on Manchester City to keep the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race, saying his side must focus solely on winning their remaining matches as the season approaches its climax.
City host Brentford F.C. at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton F.C. left the champions with little room for error in the title race.
Arsenal F.C. are five points clear at the top with three games remaining, while City still have four matches left and a game in hand. A victory against Brentford would reduce the gap before Arsenal face West Ham United later in the week.
“Put pressure on Arsenal winning our games,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference on Friday. “That’s all we have to do. All we can do.”
City were on the verge of defeat at Goodison Park before Jeremy Doku struck twice, including a stunning late equaliser that rescued a point for Guardiola’s side. The Belgian winger has now scored four goals in his last five appearances and is enjoying his most productive season since arriving at the club.
“I’m so glad,” Guardiola said. “Not just the goals, the assists, also contributing defensively. Jeremy has been amazing this season.”
City could receive another timely boost with Rodri closing in on a return from the groin injury he suffered during last month’s win over Arsenal.
“He still doesn't feel completely comfortable. He will be ready and fit and come back, we will see this afternoon or tomorrow,” Guardiola said.
Defenders Josko Gvardiol and Ruben Dias have also resumed training after injury layoffs, strengthening City’s options for the decisive final stretch of the campaign.
“Last season Gvardiol was an important player for us and he played many games,” Guardiola said. “Happy he is back and hopefully he can help us in the final part of the season.”
Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles since taking charge in 2016, said City must make their remaining home fixtures count while hoping Arsenal stumble under pressure.
“I love to play at home,” Guardiola said. “So hopefully the fans can come and put pressure on Arsenal, winning our games.”
City have not lost a league match since January, but Brentford arrive in strong form themselves. Thomas Frank’s side have suffered just one defeat in their last eight Premier League games and remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
“So good... clear what they do and difficult to challenge them,” Guardiola said about Brentford.
“But same time, three games left, Etihad, and go for it.”
