Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said that the Premier League title race with Arsenal is no longer in his team's hands following two dropped points in a come-from-behind 3-3 draw at Everton on Monday (May 4).
City seemingly had things in control when Jeremy Doku's opener on the cusp of half-time gave them the lead at Hill Dickinson Stadium. However, a Jake O'Brien strike either side of a Thierno Barry brace gave the Toffees a two-goal advantage.
Erling Haaland pulled one back for the visitors before Doku's 97th-minute equaliser forced a share of the spoils. The stalemate, though, means Guardiola's side are now five points behind the Gunners, who have played a game more.
“It was in our hands and in Arsenal’s hands, and now it is not in our hands," the Spaniard said (as per the Guardian). "But we have Brentford on Saturday, and we continue, and we’ll see what happens.
“The point is better than no points, but it would have been better to win the game. Many things happened – the difficulty of the opponent, the incredibly aggressive way they play.
The Gunners are now in the driving seat to end their 22-year Premier League title drought since last going all the way in the competition during their historic 'Invincibles' triumph under Arsene Wenger in 2004.
What's next for Arsenal and Manchester City?
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - Source: Getty
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta - Source: Getty
Arsenal have little time to rejoice after closest challengers Manchester City dropped points in the Premier League title race on Monday. That's because they're next in action in the UEFA Champions League, with a place in the final at stake.
Following a 1-1 draw at Atletico Madrid last week, Mikel Arteta's side welcome the Rojiblancos to the Emirates on Tuesday (May 5) as they look to reach their first final since losing 2-1 to Barcelona in 2006.
The Gunners then play West Ham United (away), Burnley (home) and Crystal Palace (away) in their last three league games of the season.
Meanwhile, Manchester City now turn their attention to a home game with Brentford on Saturday (May 9) before their final three matches of the campaign - Crystal Palace (home), Bournemouth (away) and Aston Villa (home).
Before the last two league games, Pep Guardiola's side play Chelsea in the FA Cup final at the Wembley on May 16, having already won the EFL Cup earlier in the season.