Pep Guardiola explains why Arsenal are pipping Man City in Prem title race as he takes swipe at his own players
PEP GUARDIOLA criticized his Manchester City players, suggesting that Arsenal are displaying more determination to win the Premier League.
Despite this, Guardiola was pleased with his team’s 1-0 victory over Crystal Palace, thanks to Erling Haaland’s late penalty kick.
Following Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Fulham, they remained five points ahead, however, Guardiola also commended Mikel Arteta’s team for their impressive comebacks this season. These have included last-minute winners against Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Bournemouth.
Guardiola said: “They have gone many years without winning the Premier League and that has given them a little bit extra to win games, as they have after 93, 96, or 98 minutes.
“That desire is something they have that we don’t because we have won back-to-back titles.
“Normally in this country, when you win something and then you don’t start the season well or another team is better, you drop this consistency.
“Arsenal are the favourites because they are in front, but still we are there. This is the best trophy, and I don’t know what is going to happen at the end of the season, but they know we want to be there. We will fight to be there, and this is great.
“The composure with which we played against Palace, the few chances we conceded and the desire to win the game – because we wanted to win this game to be close to Arsenal – that is the best thing for my team.”
City’s third consecutive win in the league has matched their longest winning streak this season. This has helped them stay close to their fifth title in six years.
The upcoming week is crucial for City as they have the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against RB Leipzig, followed by an FA Cup quarter-final against Burnley, who are led by their former captain Vincent Kompany. Despite this, Guardiola emphasized that City’s past experiences in similar situations are irrelevant.
Guardiola added: “If experience works, the team who wins the previous season will win it every single season. Experience in sport is no chance.
“Look at Liverpool who lost against Bournemouth on Saturday, a team who a few months ago they beat 9-0. Everything is so difficult. What you have done in the past is in the past.
“You have to do it again because football is unpredictable. Nobody expects many things that happen in football – people take it for granted, but that is not the truth.”
Pep Guardiola explains why Arsenal are pipping Man City in Prem title race as he takes swipe at his own players