Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has sent a warning to his side about chasing Arsenal in the Premier League title race. The Sky Blues are currently seven points behind the Gunners with a game in hand.
Manchester City currently holds 60 points off 29 games, after drawing 2-2 against Nottingham Forest in their last league game. Meanwhile, Arsenal are seven points ahead after beating Brighton 1-0 in their last Premier League outing. Guardiola's side will be desperate to beat West Ham United in their next league outing on March 14, with Arsenal facing Everton hours before on the same day.
Ahead of their clash against West Ham this weekend, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has warned his side that failing to win against West Ham will end the Premier League title race. He said (via Standard UK):
"West Ham. Now is West Ham. These kind of games it is hard. For many plans you have, it doesn't happen. You play the game you have to play and after the game will dictate whether you have a chance or not. It is difficult, yes."
He added:
"Not much dollars in the bank for us but we will see. Now is West Ham. The Premier League is the most difficult title, the Premier League I believe is the most difficult one and still we are there knowing that if we drop points it will be over."
Manchester City faced another blow this week after suffering a 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first leg. While Guardiola's side will hope for a comeback at the Etihad in the second leg, all their focus will now be on staying in the race to beat Arsenal in the Premier League. However, the title race will all depend on whether the Gunners falter again.
Paul Merson makes Premier League title race prediction with Arsenal and Manchester City in contention
Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
Manchester United v Arsenal FC - Premier League - Source: Getty
In his exclusive column for Sportskeeda this week, Arsenal legend Paul Merson shared his thoughts on the Premier League title race. He tipped for the Gunners to get an advantage this weekend.
"If City don’t beat West Ham this weekend and Arsenal win against Everton, the title race is done! So this is a big week coming up for City. If things don’t go in their favour, they could be out of all competitions bar the FA Cup in the space of 10 days," Merson wrote.
He added:
"Like I said, that loss to Real Madrid would have taken the stuffing out of them. It saps your confidence. I don’t expect City to bounce back this weekend. A draw here that would end their hopes of catching Arsenal in the title race and I’m going for 2-2."
In other words, the Premier League is gearing up for a couple of important games this weekend. Manchester City must beat West Ham, while Arsenal cannot afford to falter, giving Guardiola's side to gain the edge.