Manchester City secured a 2-1 victory over Newcastle United, narrowing the gap to Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table to just two points. Both teams have played the same number of matches, with Arsenal set to face Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby this weekend after drawing with Wolves midweek. City will regain their game in hand following the current round of fixtures.
Match Highlights
Nico O’Reilly scored a first-half brace to clinch the win for City at the Etihad Stadium, while Lewis Hall netted for the visitors. With only 11 fixtures remaining, the title race heats up significantly.
Guardiola’s Title Race Outlook
Pep Guardiola shared his prediction for the remainder of the season, addressing both his players and Arsenal. “Many things are going to happen,” Guardiola told reporters. “I have a feeling that we are not going to win all our games. Arsenal, I don’t know.”
He highlighted upcoming challenges from the FA Cup and Champions League, warning of potential injuries amid a packed schedule. “The best way is to relax now and focus on Leeds, then we’ll see. It will depend on our level, it needs to be better, better, better.”
Guardiola emphasized the inexperience of many new players in a title race. “We have a lot of new players, that’s why they have to live it,” he added. “I’ve said, forget about it. We have to improve, it’s not enough.”
To win the Premier League, City must elevate their performance. “To compete to win the Premier League you have to be there. We proved ourselves to win the three points but we have to do better to have the chance to do it.”
Ahead of the trip to Leeds United, he advised his squad lightheartedly: “I say to the guys, ‘Take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life’. And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds. That is a proper way.”
Guardiola acknowledged the difficulty ahead: “I know how difficult it will be. If it doesn’t go well, we keep going, never give up. Ten or 11 games is a lot in the Premier League.”
Praise for Fans and Squad
Despite his five prior Premier League titles with City, Guardiola noted the squad’s relative inexperience. “70% of the players never played in that situation and I don’t play. We have to believe it,” he told TNT Sports. “They know, we know, that until the end of the season every game will be like this.”
He lauded the home support: “Today we had the best crowd of the year. It was unbelievable. I am really proud to be manager of these incredible fans.”
