After Manchester City’s disappointing 0-0 draw against Arsenal, Pep Guardiola openly admitted that his team is now considered the “third” favourites to win the Premier League title. With Liverpool leading the pack and Arsenal sitting in second place, City finds themselves trailing behind with just nine games remaining. Guardiola described his team as underdogs in the title race, a stark contrast to their dominant performances in previous seasons.
Liverpool’s Clear Path
When asked if Liverpool were now the “clear favourites” to win the league, Guardiola conceded, stating the obvious hierarchy in the standings. He acknowledged that the team at the top of the table is always considered the favourite, while Arsenal secured the second spot. This acknowledgment of Liverpool’s dominance reflects the challenge City is facing in reclaiming the title this season.
Despite dominating possession against Arsenal, Manchester City could only muster a single shot on target during the match. Guardiola humorously suggested that the only way to break through Arsenal’s solid defense was to “kill someone” or play with nine men. He commended Arsenal’s defensive strategy, noting their effective press and solid defensive block that prevented City from scoring.
For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, the stalemate against City represented a significant improvement from their 4-1 defeat at the Etihad last season. He expressed pride in his team’s defensive display and highlighted the progress they have made since that disappointing loss. Arteta emphasized the importance of competing and showed satisfaction with securing a valuable point against a top side like City.
Champions League Ambitions
Both Manchester City and Arsenal are still alive in the Champions League, with crucial quarterfinal matches on the horizon. City will face off against Real Madrid, while Arsenal are set to clash with Bayern Munich. These European fixtures add an extra layer of pressure and excitement for both teams as they aim to achieve success on multiple fronts.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, Manchester City will host Aston Villa in their next Premier League fixture, while Arsenal will have a midweek clash against Luton Town at the Emirates. These upcoming matches provide an opportunity for both teams to bounce back from the draw and secure vital points as they continue their pursuit of domestic success.
Pep Guardiola’s candid assessment of Manchester City’s position in the title race serves as a wake-up call for the team. With Liverpool leading the way and Arsenal showing resilience, City faces an uphill battle to retain their league crown. The upcoming fixtures and Champions League matches will test their resilience and determination as they strive for success on multiple fronts.