Pep Guardiola has delivered a pointed warning to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal following Manchester City's dramatic late victory over Liverpool at Anfield, insisting there remains "a lot of time" for twists in the Premier League title race.
A Dramatic Comeback Keeps City's Hopes Alive
In a thrilling encounter on Merseyside, Manchester City secured a vital 2-1 win against Liverpool, coming from behind with two late goals to keep their championship aspirations firmly intact. The Reds had taken the lead through a spectacular Dominik Szoboszlai free-kick in the 74th minute, a strike that threatened to derail City's season.
However, the reigning champions displayed characteristic resilience, with Bernardo Silva equalising before Erling Haaland converted a decisive penalty to snatch all three points in stoppage time. This remarkable turnaround means City have now completed their first league double over Liverpool in a single season since 1937, a significant historical milestone.
Guardiola's Defiant Message to Arsenal
Despite Arsenal maintaining a six-point advantage at the summit of the Premier League table, Guardiola was quick to emphasise that the race is far from over. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, the City manager outlined his belief that numerous factors could influence the final outcome over the remaining thirteen fixtures.
"We are six points behind Arsenal, okay it is a big gap, because they don't concede goals, they win all their games, but many things are going to happen, I guess," Guardiola stated. He further elaborated in his post-match press conference, highlighting the challenges that lie ahead for all contenders.
"I have a feeling that improving a little bit will not be enough to compete against Arsenal but still we have margin to improve," Guardiola admitted. "We have to play them at home and of course we have to beat them. And I've said, 13 games in the Premier League, from my point of view, from my little experience, is a lot of time, a lot."
The Psychological Battle Intensifies
Guardiola detailed how the congested fixture schedule, involving cup competitions like the Carabao Cup final against Arsenal on March 22nd and the FA Cup, could play a crucial role. He suggested that facing teams fighting relegation in the latter stages, who have longer preparation periods, presents a unique challenge for title-chasing sides juggling multiple competitions.
"That makes an influence in the title race, that's why being nine, 10, 11 points is more difficult, that's why all we can do is breathe down the neck of Arsenal, being there, and try if they sleep, if they make something a mistake, use it," he explained, outlining City's strategy to apply relentless pressure.
Anfield Triumph and External Perspectives
The victory marked only Guardiola's second Premier League win at Anfield, with his previous success coming in an empty stadium during the COVID-19 pandemic. He acknowledged the formidable atmosphere, stating, "It is so difficult, Anfield is Anfield, the tradition, the history and the crowd."
The result has certainly captured the attention of pundits. Manchester United legend Roy Keane, while still backing Arsenal for the title, acknowledged the psychological threat posed by Guardiola's City. "If you're in Arsenal's camp, yeah you're comfortable but you don't want to be looking over your shoulder at Pep, because they've got a history of hunting you down," Keane told Sky Sports.
He added, "I still believe Arsenal will win the league, but you look over your shoulder and today when you see them go 1-0 down and then go on to win it." This sentiment underscores the narrative that City, despite trailing, remain the most dangerous of pursuers as the season enters its critical final phase.
