In a game against Arsenal on Wednesday that could be pivotal in determining who wins the Premier League title, Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City to maintain control of the situation.
In their quest for a third straight championship, Manchester City will face Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium with a five-point deficit, two games remaining, and home advantage.
A treble of trophies is now within reach for Guardiola’s team, which earlier this season questioned their desire to continue saturating the English football scene.
In the upcoming month’s Champions League semifinals, Manchester City will play Real Madrid, and on June 3rd, Guardiola’s side will play local rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Guardiola stated during his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that his players have the potential to win the treble at the end of the season, beginning with their crucial match against his former assistant coach at the Etihad.
“It was not a final when we started this season, first game, second game, third game—after winning back-to-back Premier Leagues,” Guardiola explained.
Arsenal’s blistering start to the season put them in pole position to win the Premier League for the first time in 19 years, but Mikel Arteta’s men have demonstrated their inexperience in recent weeks, with three consecutive draws allowing City to close the gap on the league table.
Arsenal’s players’ attitude has motivated Guardiola to take the lead at the top of the Premier League table, which will be his third consecutive season winning the English Premier League.
Pep revealed, “Now for the last few months I have had that feeling with the FA Cup, Champions League, and Premier League; that is the truth because we see the end is real, real close.” “After the first round (19 games) of the Premier League, with what Arsenal have done, it’s difficult to think we are here in that moment.”
“Now we know exactly what we’re playing for. We have had many months to arrive at this part of the league and have the chance in our hands. Of course, they have it in their hands too, because if they win, it depends on them. Their destiny will be in their hands. But if we win, destiny will definitely be in our hands,” Guardiola added.
