Pep Guardiola makes concerning Man City admission in massive boost for Arsenal
Pep Guardiola conceded that Manchester City’s remarkable achievement of winning the Treble has had an impact on everyone associated with the club, including himself.
The team secured a hard-earned victory against Brighton, breaking a streak of two Premier League losses and restoring their season after stumbling against Wolves and Arsenal.
However, the defending champions didn’t perform at their usual high level against Roberto De Zerbi’s spirited team. Guardiola recognized that City is still dealing with the lingering effects of last season’s extraordinary successes.
“The Treble had an influence on all of us, me included,” said Guardiola. “So we need to be there, arriving in the final moments at the end of the season, being close to the opponents and trying to do it again.
“I said many times that no one has won four Premier League titles in a row, never ever, so that shows how difficult it is. But now it’s important to be there, especially in the Champions League, qualify for the next round.
“In this period now we have two games against Young Boys and after the second game against them at home, we can be there. After that, we can just focus on the Premier League, Premier League, Premier League. That’s the target. That’s why today was really important.”
City had a blazing start, with Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland scoring two goals within the first 19 minutes. However, Brighton managed to claw their way back into the game with a goal from substitute Ansu Fati in the 73rd minute.
This made for a tense ending for City, but they held on to secure the win, even though Manuel Akanji received a second yellow card in added time, which means he will be suspended for the upcoming derby against Manchester United this weekend.
Haaland’s goal put an end to his three-game goalless streak, highlighting the high standards he has set for himself after an impressive 52-goal season in his debut campaign.
“The expectations are so high, but he handled it really well,” said Guardiola. “He knows he could have scored more goals in that group stage and in the nine Premier League games.”
Guardiola made an unexpected choice by starting backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega instead of the first-choice Ederson. The City manager provided an explanation for his selection decision.
“It was just for the fact that the travel from Ede [Ederson], back from Brazil, is a long time,” said Guardiola. “Of course, it happened many times before, but he played two games there and the first day he arrived back he was so tired.
Pep Guardiola makes concerning Man City admission in massive boost for Arsenal