Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has urged caution despite his side’s crucial 2-1 victory over Arsenal, saying the result only offers “hope” in the Premier League title race.
The reigning champions moved to within three points of the league leaders after the win at the Etihad Stadium, with a game in hand that could see them move top for the first time this year if they defeat Burnley on Wednesday.
Although momentum appears to be shifting in City’s favour, with Arsenal suffering four consecutive defeats across all competitions, Guardiola insisted the title race remains finely balanced.
“Of course, we have hope, but the reality is that we are not top of the league,” the City boss said. “We take it step by step.”
Erling Haaland proved decisive once again, scoring the winning goal 25 minutes from time in a tightly contested encounter.
City had earlier taken the lead through Rayan Cherki, whose fine solo effort was quickly cancelled out by Arsenal’s Kai Havertz, who punished an error in the City defence.
The visitors came close to restoring their advantage, striking the woodwork twice in the second half, while also missing two clear-cut chances in a frenetic contest.
Despite the victory, Guardiola acknowledged the threat posed by Arsenal, noting that margins remained slim in the title chase.
City’s performance also drew praise for Bernardo Silva, who recently confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season after nine years at the Etihad.
Guardiola described the Portuguese midfielder as a “legend,” saying his contribution over the years had been exceptional.
“You have to write the word legend in capital letters for him, not just for today, but for everything he has given in nine years,” he said. “He is a special player, and any team he joins will be very lucky.”
City’s win keeps the Premier League title race finely poised with just a few matches left in the season.
