Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City to keep up the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race, saying his side must only focus on winning their remaining games as the season approaches its climax.
City host Brentford FC at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday after a dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton FC leaving little room for error for the champions in the title race.
Arsenal FC are five points clear at the top with three games remaining, while City still have four games remaining and a game in hand. A win against Brentford would close the gap on Arsenal, who face West Ham United later in the week.
“Put pressure on Arsenal to win our games,” Guardiola said during Friday’s pre-match press conference. “That’s all we have to do. All we can do.”
City were on the brink of defeat at Goodison Park before Jeremy Doku struck twice, including a stunning late equalizer to rescue a point for Guardiola’s side. The Belgian winger has now scored four goals in his last five games and is enjoying his most productive season since joining the club.
“I’m so happy,” said Guardiola. “Not just the goals, the assists, the defensive contribution as well. Jeremy has been amazing this season.”
City could receive another timely boost as Rodri approaches after returning from a groin injury sustained in the win over Arsenal last month.
“He still doesn’t feel completely comfortable. He will be ready and fit and he will come back, we’ll see this afternoon or tomorrow,” Guardiola said.
Defenders Josko Guardiol and Ruben Dias have also resumed training after being ruled out through injury, boosting City’s chances for the crucial final stretch of the campaign.
“Last season Guardiol was an important player for us and he played a lot of games,” said Guardiola. “I’m glad he’s back and hopefully he’ll help us in the last part of the season.”
Guardiola, who has won six Premier League titles since taking charge in 2016, said City must make their remaining home games count and hope Arsenal stumble under the pressure.
“I like to play at home,” said Guardiola. “So hopefully the fans will come and put the pressure on Arsenal and win our games.
City haven’t lost a league game since January, but Brentford will arrive in strong form themselves. Thomas Frank’s side have suffered just one defeat in their last eight Premier League games and remain firmly in the hunt for European qualification.
“So good… clear what they’re doing and it’s hard to challenge them,” Guardiola said of Brentford.
“But at the same time, there are three games left, Etihad, and go for it.
– The end
Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
08 May 2026 20:05 IST
