Pep Guardiola has issued a fresh warning about the intensity of this season's Premier League title battle, singling out Chelsea for particular praise after Manchester City survived a major scare at Fulham.
City Survive Fulham Fightback in Goal Frenzy
Manchester City moved to within two points of league leaders Arsenal on Tuesday night, but their 5-4 victory at Craven Cottage was anything but straightforward. Guardiola's side raced into a commanding 5-1 lead by the 54th minute, only to concede three times in a frantic 21-minute spell, setting up a nerve-shredding finale.
The result leaves the destiny of the top spot in Arsenal's hands for now. The Gunners can re-establish a five-point cushion if they defeat Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Chelsea will close to within a single point of City if they secure an away win against Leeds United later the same evening.
Guardiola's Verdict on Chelsea and Arsenal Threat
Speaking after the chaotic win, the City manager was unequivocal about the challenge ahead. He reiterated that catching Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will be a stern test, while also elevating Chelsea's status as genuine contenders.
"Arsenal are so strong and so solid," Guardiola stated. "I know if we drop points it will be so difficult. We have to put in our mindset that it will be difficult, but at the same time the Premier League is so long."
Drawing on his vast experience, the Catalan coach emphasised the marathon nature of the campaign. "We won six Premier Leagues, four or five when we were in December, January or February we were behind. The team who wins the Premier League is the team who grows during the months."
His most notable comments, however, were reserved for the progress made at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca. "Chelsea impress me more and more every day with Enzo," Guardiola admitted, before cautioning again that "it's long."
Maresca's Cautious Stance on Chelsea's Title Hopes
Chelsea's credentials were bolstered by a resilient performance last Sunday, where they held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge despite playing over half the game with ten men following Moises Caicedo's first-half red card.
Ahead of the trip to Leeds, manager Enzo Maresca played down talk of a title charge, insisting it is too early for such labels. "We are in December. If in February or March we are where we are now, we are going to be title contenders. But if in February or March we are not there… so for me it's too early," he explained.
Maresca pointed to a gruelling schedule as the key test for his squad. "From [Leeds] on, we have eight games just in December. In January we have eight games. So they are the two months that are more complicated. If we are able to survive and be there in February or March, for sure we're going to be there."
The contrasting perspectives from the two managers highlight the psychological and tactical battle unfolding alongside the action on the pitch. Guardiola, the seasoned champion, is acutely aware of the rising threats, while Maresca is carefully managing expectations around his improving team. With the festive fixture list about to intensify, the Premier League title race is poised for further twists.
