Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists the Premier League title race with Arsenal is still open, even after a challenging season. City sit six points behind Arsenal, yet Guardiola believes the champions remain in a strong position to apply pressure across the decisive final stretch.
The gap narrowed after City’s 2-1 comeback win against Liverpool at Anfield, where Dominik Szoboszlai’s outstanding free-kick initially put Liverpool ahead. Bernardo Silva levelled before Erling Haaland converted a penalty, securing three points that kept City within reach of Arsenal at the top.
Analytical models still favour Arsenal in the Premier League title battle. The Opta supercomputer gives Arsenal a 90.1% chance of becoming champions, reflecting their
strong form. Manchester City’s probability is rated at 8.2%, yet Guardiola refuses to accept that the contest is settled with 13 league matches left.
Scheduling could further tighten the table. City host Fulham before Arsenal meet Brentford on Thursday, meaning the deficit may shrink to three points before Arsenal next play. Guardiola is aware Arsenal remain in control, but continues to stress that momentum can shift quickly in a demanding schedule.
Guardiola pointed towards a congested calendar that affects Arsenal, Manchester City and every Premier League contender. The FA Cup continues, the EFL Cup final arrives soon, and the Champions League resumes in March. Those tournaments, alongside league commitments, increase the risk of fatigue and injuries across leading squads.
The City manager also highlighted the intensity of matches against teams with different targets. Clubs chasing European qualification, and those trying to avoid relegation, treat every fixture as crucial. Guardiola views those contests as high-pressure occasions, where focus and consistency can decide the Premier League title outcome.
"We are six points behind, Guardiola said. OK, it is a big gap, but many things can happen, so it's better to have the three points. Who knows if six points is enough [for Arsenal], but 13 games is a lot and the FA Cup is coming, the EFL Cup final too, the Champions League is back in March, and injuries will happen. There are also other teams playing for thingsEuropean positions, fighting against relegation and playing against teams in a relegation battle means they are trying a lot to survive, and it is a proper game. So, 13 games from experience is a lot of time. It [the run-in] is so, so difficult, but the important thing is to be there. All we can do is breathe down the neck of Arsenal, being there, and try if they slip, if they make something [a mistake], use it. We have to play them [Arsenal] at home, so of course we have to beat them. "
City’s victory at Anfield almost included a spectacular Rayan Cherki strike from his own half, though VAR disallowed the effort for a foul by Haaland on Szoboszlai. Szoboszlai received a red card later for pulling back Haaland during a chaotic finish, adding further drama to a match that shaped the Premier League title conversation.
Guardiola’s comments underline City’s plan to maintain pressure on Arsenal throughout the remaining fixtures, including the crucial home meeting between Manchester City and Arsenal. With several competitions running alongside the league, and 13 games still to play, City continue to rely on experience and consistency to stay alive in the Premier League title race.
