Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola discusses decisive goal difference factor in Arsenal title battle
Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, discussed the significance of goal differential in the title race this season.
Champions of the Premier League trail leaders Arsenal by six points entering Saturday’s visit to Leicester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Liverpool held Arsenal to an enthralling 2-2 draw at Anfield last weekend, giving City a significant boost in their pursuit of a third consecutive title thanks to goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez, and Erling Haaland all scored for Guardiola’s men at St. Mary’s as City cruised to a 4-1 victory in their most recent league outing.
The Blues have a game in hand over the Gunners and will face them later this month at the Etihad Stadium in a potential title decider.
City will secure a historic third consecutive league title if they win each of their remaining nine league games, a marathon they have previously completed under Guardiola.
Guardiola was asked prior to Saturday’s game against Leicester City if goal difference could come into play in the thrilling battle between City and Arsenal.
“Yes, we didn’t talk about that, I think they know it,” the 52-year-old said. “I never prepare (for) a game to score as much goals as possible because the first target is to win the game.
“But when the game is in your hands and the dynamic and momentum is good, it’s better to not stop because the distance is so short. Everything can happen.”
City maintains a +48 goal difference, five more than Arsenal, and Guardiola is allowing his team to score as many goals as possible when leading in games.
The Spaniard added: “I didn’t speak to them (the Manchester City squad) about that. I didn’t speak, but maybe one day we will comment. I think they know it.”
Manchester City will face Sheffield United in the FA Cup and Bayern Munich in the Champions League in the coming weeks as they attempt to win an unprecedented treble of trophies.
Guardiola was then asked if he prefers his team to play every three days, a scenario the Blues have experienced frequently since 2016.
“No, four days. Three days I don’t like, four days is OK. Yeah, I would love, “Guardiola said.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola discusses decisive goal difference factor in Arsenal title battle
