Pep Guardiola has admitted that destiny of the Premier League title is now in the hands of Manchester City following their impressive win over table-toppers Arsenal.
Manchester City welcomed Arsenal to the Etihad Stadium in their most recent fixture in the Premier League and cruised to a 4-1 win over the Gunners. A brace from Kevin de Bruyne and a goal each from John Stones and Erling Haaland saw Manchester City earn all three points from the fixture. Arsenal’s consolation goal came from Rob Holding in the 86th minute of the game.
Manchester City’s victory over Arsenal has cut short the Gunners’ lead at the top of the Premier League table to just two points. With Manchester City having two games in hand over Arsenal, the destiny of the Premier League title is now firmly in the hands of Pep Guardiola and co.
Speaking after Manchester City defeated Arsenal, Pep Guardiola acknowledged the same. Although Manchester City have two games in hand over Arsenal, Guardiola also warned his side that the six points at stake in those games are far from guaranteed.
Pep Guardiola: Premier League title race now ‘in our hands’
However, Pep Guardiola also said he now prefers the position Manchester City finds themselves in over Arsenal’s.
“It was an important game, not decisive but important. We played very well. I know the opponent we played. They’re still top, I know it sounds naive what I’m saying but we are still behind. We are still there. Absolutely (I prefer) my position because now it’s in our hands,” Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport [via GOAL].
“I would love that these two games are six points but you have to win them, but I prefer it because it depends on us. Until today, I prefer the position in the Premier League of Arsenal because if Arsenal had beaten us it’s in their hands. But now it is in our hands.”
Arsenal now have 75 points from 33 games in the Premier League so far this season. Manchester City, meanwhile, have 73 points from 31 games in the English top flight so far in the current campaign.
Arsenal are not guaranteed the Premier League title even if they all of their remaining games as it also depends on Manchester City dropping points. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is, however, refusing to give up in the race for the Premier League title.
