Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has insisted the Premier League title race is far from over, warning Arsenal that “a lot can happen” with 13 games still to play after City’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Liverpool.
Late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland in the final six minutes overturned Dominik Szoboszlai’s 74th-minute opener, handing City all three points at Anfield. The win sealed Manchester City’s first league double over Liverpool in 89 years and reduced Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table to six points.
City could cut that gap to just three points if they beat Fulham at the Etihad on Wednesday, ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Brentford on Thursday.
Guardiola believes the pressure of a congested fixture schedule could still work in City’s favour as the season reaches its decisive stage.
“We are six points behind. It is a big gap, but many things can happen,” Guardiola said. “Thirteen games is a lot. The FA Cup is coming, the Carabao Cup final, the Champions League in March, and injuries will happen.
“There are teams fighting for Europe and others battling relegation. Every game becomes a proper fight. From experience, 13 games is a long time. The important thing is to be there and put pressure on Arsenal.”
City are also set to host Arsenal later in the season, a match Guardiola believes could be pivotal.
“We have to play them at home, so of course we have to beat them,” he added.
City thought they had wrapped up a 3-1 win late on when Rayan Cherki scored from inside his own half, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review. Referee Craig Pawson instead awarded City a free-kick and sent off Szoboszlai for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after a clash with Haaland.
Guardiola disagreed with the decision, arguing that the goal should have stood.
“Common sense, no?” Guardiola said. “There are pulls like that all game and referees usually play on. Just give the goal and let him play.”
