Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says the “most terrible” outcome for his side in the Premier League title race would still be finishing second behind Arsenal, after another crucial victory kept the Cityzens firmly in contention.
City produced a dominant second-half display to defeat Brentford 3-0 at the Etihad Stadium and move within two points of Arsenal with only three league matches left to play.
Although the hosts struggled to break down Brentford before the interval, Guardiola’s side eventually found their rhythm after the restart.
Jeremy Doku opened the scoring with a fine effort, before Erling Haaland doubled City’s advantage later in the contest.
Omar Marmoush then completed the victory deep into stoppage time to cap another important evening in the title race.
The result maintained the pressure on Arsenal as the campaign heads towards a dramatic conclusion, with Guardiola insisting he is enjoying every moment of the battle for the crown.
Speaking after the match, the City manager reflected on the team’s consistency throughout a demanding season and admitted that even ending the campaign as runners-up would represent a significant achievement considering the challenges his squad has faced.
“I love it! I love to be here again. We’ll finish 2nd this season minimum, I love it, I love to be here,” he said per City Xtra.
Guardiola’s comments underlined the satisfaction he has taken from City remaining competitive on several fronts despite injuries, squad adjustments and fierce competition at the top of the table.
The Spaniard has repeatedly praised the mentality of his players this season, particularly during periods when the club had to cope with changes within the squad and intense pressure in domestic competitions.
Guardiola enjoying challenge after difficult previous campaign
The City boss compared the current title race with last season’s battle to secure a top-four finish and admitted he has found this campaign far more enjoyable.
While City have become accustomed to chasing major honours under Guardiola, the manager explained that fighting merely for qualification into the UEFA Champions League last season had created a different type of pressure.
“I didn’t enjoy last season in the moment we were fighting to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, it was so difficult.
“I love it; Carabao Cup in our pocket, we’ll play the FA Cup final in Wembley – the most beautiful game of the season – and I like it, I love it.”
City’s pursuit of another Premier League title comes alongside success in domestic cup competitions, with the club already lifting the Carabao Cup and preparing for an FA Cup final appearance at Wembley Stadium.
Guardiola has frequently described Wembley as one of football’s greatest stages, and his side now have the opportunity to complete another impressive campaign with multiple trophies.
Despite the mounting pressure that usually accompanies the closing weeks of a title race, Guardiola appeared calm after the win against Brentford and dismissed suggestions that nerves were affecting him or his players.
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Instead, he pointed to the commitment within the squad and the unity shown by both senior and younger members of the team throughout the season.
City manager praises squad spirit in title chase
When questioned about the tension surrounding the battle with Arsenal, Guardiola insisted he felt pride rather than anxiety because of the level his side have maintained during the campaign.
“Tension? No, no, no. When you arrive and have the feeling that the job has been good, well done! When you arrive there, fighting against Arsenal, being there all the time, after the many changes that happened, the spirit of the team, how they help eachother.
“It’s a joy to work with them! And how they fight, how the experienced players help, it’s really good!”
City’s ability to stay close to Arsenal in the table despite injuries and squad transitions has kept alive hopes of another dramatic title triumph.
Guardiola’s side have built a reputation for producing relentless winning runs during the latter stages of campaigns, and their latest victory once again demonstrated their capacity to deliver under pressure.
