Man City take advantage of Arsenal's stumble to close the gap

Pep Guardiola believes Manchester Metropolis can rival Arsenal for the Premier League title in the event that they preserve the requirements confirmed in cruising previous Sunderland 3-0 on Saturday.

Metropolis reduce the hole on the Gunners on the prime of the desk to 2 factors as objectives from Ruben Dias, Josko Gvardiol and Phil Foden inflicted simply Sunderland’s fourth defeat in 15 video games again within the English top-flight.

Rayan Cherki’s spectacular rabona help for Foden’s objective capped a cushty match for Guardiola’s facet.

(Accessible to view in U.S. solely)

(Accessible to view in Canada solely)

The routine nature of victory was in stark distinction to Metropolis’s final two video games.

Guardiola’s males wanted Foden’s stoppage time winner to beat Leeds 3-2 final weekend after blowing a 2-0 lead and practically let a 5-1 benefit slip at Fulham on Tuesday earlier than prevailing 5-4.

Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa earlier on Saturday opened the door for Metropolis to shut in on their title rivals and Guardiola was heartened by the very fact his facet reversed a development this season of dropping off within the second half.

“In my expertise, to win the Premier League, it is in regards to the consistency. The consistency comes from the way in which you play and the way a lot you develop whether or not you’re 2-1 behind or 4-1 in entrance,” mentioned Guardiola.

“At present perhaps has been probably the greatest performances of the season for 95 minutes. We had good momentum for the second half.

“It began from Wolves (within the first sport of the season). The primary half was actually good, the second half we suffered. We did good issues towards Fulham within the first half and stopped within the second half. We talked about that and the explanation why.”

Arsenal have completed second for the previous three seasons, dropping out to Metropolis within the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns.

Mikel Arteta’s males additionally nonetheless have to go to the Etihad in April and Guardiola mentioned all his facet can do is apply stress to Arsenal, who’re aiming to finish a 22-year wait to win the title.

“Within the Premier League, we had the sensation that Arsenal are going to drop few factors and if you wish to be there it’s a must to win video games and that comes from the way in which you carry out – not only a fortunate day or fortunate motion,” added Guardiola.

“I wish to see the crew develop. In knockout levels of the Champions League or the FA Cup, should you play one dangerous sport it’s over. However within the Premier League, it is lengthy and the efficiency dictates if you’ll be there or not.

“Towards Fulham it was three factors but when we proceed to do what we did within the second half, now we have no probability. We’ll lose all over the place.”