After overcoming Arsenal to position themselves in the head position for the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola claims his Manchester City team has shown they can perform when there is “no choice but to win.”
With two games remaining, Guardiola’s squad defeated league leaders Arsenal 4-1 at Etihad Stadium last night to close the gap to two points. There are still seven games for City, beginning with a trip to Fulham on Sunday, followed by meetings against West Ham and Leeds at home.
“We must remain focused. We now have control of it,” added Guardiola.
“Whether we can accomplish our goals will be determined by these next three games. However, we’re continuing to trail behind Arsenal.” The knowledge of his players about what it takes to win in the closing weeks of the season, according to Guardiola, is proving to be essential as City continue to be on track for a Treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager continued, “The players know it is crucial to say it is a tight and fierce run and we need to win to stay in contention. The most satisfactory attitude to play with is that one where you have no choice but to win. The boys have demonstrated that they enter every game hoping to win.”
In last night’s victory, City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne scored twice. Just before halftime, defender John Stones headed in the second goal, and late in the game, forward Erling Haaland added a fourth.
Although many City fans believe they are nearly guaranteed to win a third straight championship, the Belgium international De Bruyne stated there is still a “far” way to go.
“We predict what others will say. It’s so difficult. Countless things are possible,” he said. “Seven games remain, and we are still behind them [in the standings], but people predict that we will win in the end.”
