Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has downplayed his team’s draw with fellow title contenders Arsenal on Sunday afternoon.
After losing to the Gunners in the reverse fixture at the Emirates, they hoped to gain a significant advantage in their title charge by beating them at the Etihad in week 30 of the ongoing league season.
His former protégé, Mikel Arteta, came with disruptive tactics that staved off every Man City pressure while also creating threats of his own that Guardiola has to deal with.
In the end, both sides had to settle for a draw with many fans talking about how dull the game was. From an analytical point of view, the game went exactly as it should have, as both teams did not need to show off at this stage of the competition.
As a result of that draw, Liverpool are now first in the league with two points ahead of Arsenal in second and three points ahead of City in third.
Guardiola believes the season is not over and there is still a lot to play for with nine games to go.
“Arsenal is an exceptional team, well managed and the players are good [but] my point of view still we are the team,” the City boss declared after the team’s first Premier League stalemate since March 2022 (away at Crystal Palace)
“Many things we can be better, but I am satisfied. I said to the team, don’t be sad. I know my players, how they behave, and they tried it. I give credit to Arsenal.
“We will not be here at semi-final of FA Cup, quarter-final of Champions League and fighting for Premier League title [if we are not the team].
“We want to win but we are there. It was a battle. It was a tight game [but] I see the way they train.
“[Are Liverpool now favourites?] Yes. Always who is first is favourite. Second favourite is Arsenal. Third we are. It’s not in our hands.
“All we can do against Aston Villa is try to win the game.
“When we were top we were favourites because it was in our hands but now it is not.”
City have an almost equal uphill task in Aston Villa next game week.
Unai Emery’s team is not in the title race but they are looking to return to the UEFA Champions League after more than two decades of not participating in it. Winning the game against City will solidify their charge and help them stave off pressure from Tottenham Hotspur, who are looking to usurp them in fourth place.
