MANCHESTER – Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has drawn comparisons between Arsenal’s title challenge this season and Liverpool’s formidable performances in recent campaigns, emphasizing the North London club’s resilience in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola’s defending champions find themselves trailing Arsenal by a single point in the Premier League standings, albeit with a game in hand. With only two matches remaining for Arsenal, the pressure is on both teams as they vie for the coveted title.
Speaking to reporters ahead of Saturday’s league encounter against Fulham, Guardiola acknowledged the intensity of the title race, likening Arsenal’s performance to Liverpool’s relentless pursuit in previous seasons.
“They have been at the same level as Liverpool in those years. Both teams have been incredible,” Guardiola remarked, reflecting on the closely contested battles witnessed in recent Premier League campaigns.
Despite speculation about his preferences for the outcome of Manchester United’s match against Arsenal this weekend, Guardiola affirmed his allegiance to Manchester City, stating, “I am a Man City fan, and I will try to beat Fulham. That is my only concern.”
Guardiola also expressed confidence in Manchester City’s injury situation, praising the club’s medical staff for their diligence. However, he lamented the absence of Champions League football, noting that while additional rest may benefit some teams, he would have preferred to continue competing in Europe’s premier club competition.
While concerns lingered over a potential rift between Guardiola and top scorer Erling Haaland following the striker’s discontent over his substitution in the previous match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Guardiola downplayed the incident. Haaland, currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with 25 goals, has been instrumental for Manchester City this season.
“His contribution since he’s been here has been magnificent,” Guardiola affirmed, praising Haaland’s impact beyond his goal-scoring prowess. With the title race heating up and Manchester City aiming to secure vital points against Fulham, Guardiola’s focus remains squarely on guiding his team to success in the closing stages of the season.