Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City’s latest triumph at Wembley could provide a timely lift, though he remains uncertain about if it will help them to stop Arsenal in the Premier League title race.
City’s victory not only secured their first piece of silverware this season, but also ended Arsenal’s pursuit of an historic quadruple.
Yet despite the celebrations, Guardiola struck a measured tone when assessing what the result might mean in the broader context of the campaign.
The City manager acknowledged the psychological lift that comes with winning a trophy, particularly as his side prepare for a crucial run of fixtures across multiple competitions.
However, he stopped short of suggesting it would shift the balance in the league, where Arsenal still hold a significant advantage.
“I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal, but I don’t know if I’d change a trophy to fight for the Premier League,” he said.
Guardiola’s comments reflected a clear awareness of the challenge ahead. While the Wembley success will boost morale, City’s position in the league table remains less secure, with dropped points earlier in the season continuing to cast a shadow over their title ambitions.
“I don’t think it will have an impact, different competition and they will be more concerned when they come to the Etihad,” he added.
City’s focus now turns to the FA Cup, where they face Liverpool in a quarter-final tie at the Etihad Stadium following the international break. Guardiola suggested the momentum from Wembley, combined with home support, could prove decisive in that encounter.
“That title will help us a lot for the [FA Cup] quarter-final against Liverpool at home with our people. Today all our side was fully Blue, I’m so happy being together and celebrating.”
For Guardiola, the sense of unity and connection with supporters was one of the standout aspects of the Wembley occasion — something he hopes can be replicated in the next round of the FA Cup.
Despite ending Arsenal’s cup ambitions, Guardiola conceded that the Premier League race remains firmly under the control of Mikel Arteta’s side. City’s inconsistency at key moments earlier in the campaign has left them with ground to make up.
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“There were two periods: Sunderland away and Chelsea and Brighton at home, these three draws they punished us a lot in terms of points and the last ones against Nottingham Forest and West Ham,” he said.
Those results, Guardiola admitted, may ultimately prove costly. While Manchester City still have a game in hand and a direct meeting with Arsenal to come, the margin for error is slim.
“Maybe we will regret it until the end but we have one game in hand, we have Arsenal at home.”
There is also a sense that the Wembley defeat could sharpen Arsenal’s focus rather than derail their title charge. Guardiola hinted that the London side may arrive at the Etihad even more determined, knowing the significance of what could be a decisive fixture.
“Will that team drop points? We are going to try to win our games and we will see what happens.”
For now, City’s path is clear: maintain momentum, capitalise on their remaining opportunities and hope Arsenal falter. The Carabao Cup success has provided encouragement, but the defining chapter of the season is still to be written.
