Manchester City defender Josko Gvardiol issues warning to teammates, urging them to stay relentlessly focused as the Premier League title race begins to tighten. He insisted that dropped points at this stage could prove costly in their pursuit of Arsenal and the pack of clubs in close contention.
The Croatian, who has become a key figure in Pep Guardiola’s side, reflected on the lessons learned from previous campaigns and stressed that City cannot afford even a moment’s lapse.
The Sky Blues sit two points behind leaders Arsenal, with Aston Villa also firmly in the picture after an impressive run of form.
Josko Gvardiol issues warning to teammates, explaining that the margin for error is narrowing quickly for all clubs with ambitions of staying in the hunt.
“I remember in my first season we were on the top and fighting for the Premier League and you go Fulham away, all the games, you need to win. If you lose or drop points that’s it,” Gvardiol said as reported by Goal.
“First of all they have a good team. It’s not just them, it’s Aston Villa, Chelsea is good. Sunderland two weeks ago were there at the top. It won’t be easy and the season is long.
“We’re not even at the halfway stage. Still a lot of games to play. Two points behind so we are getting closer. We need to build it up like we have for the last two or three months.
“We will see at the end. Every game is important and we need to win every game. It’s a big three points and now focus on Wednesday [against Real Madrid].”
His message was clear: City must maintain their rhythm and avoid any slips if they are to complete another successful title defence.
For much of the last decade, Manchester City have developed a reputation for staying composed during the most intense moments of the season. Their history under Guardiola is filled with title races that went down to the final weeks—and sometimes even the final day.
This group is no stranger to chasing down a rival. In two of the past three Premier League seasons, City have overturned Arsenal’s lead at the top of the table.
In 2022-23, Mikel Arteta’s side spent 248 days leading the league, including an eight-point advantage in early April. Yet City’s consistency and Arsenal’s stumble—particularly draws at Liverpool and West Ham after surrendering leads—opened the door.
When the two sides met at the Etihad, City delivered a dominant 4–1 performance, reasserting control of the title race and ultimately finishing five points clear.
- Guardiola hints at surprise rotation against Real Madrid
- Former Chelsea player emerges contender to succeed Guardiola as Man City boss
The following season proved even closer. Throughout 2023-24, Arsenal and City exchanged positions repeatedly, but once again it was Guardiola’s team who held their nerve on the decisive weekend. City clinched the title on the final day, edging the Gunners by two points.
Those experiences have shaped the mentality inside the dressing room, where players have grown accustomed to the pressure of knowing that every match matters, every dropped point leaves a mark, and every moment of composure can create an opening.
Gvardiol, who scored in the win over Sunderland, revealed that City were fully aware of the stakes from the very start of the day.
With Arsenal top on 33 points, City second on 31 and Aston Villa just behind on 30 after five consecutive league victories, the title race is shaping up to be one of the closest in recent seasons.
Chelsea’s improvement in performances has also been noted by Gvardiol, who pointed out that more than two or three clubs have shown the quality to cause disruption in this campaign.