At a Glance:
Pep Guardiola is upset about Manchester City exit news leaking.
Guardiola holds late-night group call with Manchester City players.
City’s players’ reactions could help Arsenal seal the Premier League title on Tuesday.
As Pep Guardiola looks set to leave Manchester City, it will be interesting to see whether they can beat AFC Bournemouth and take the Premier League title race with Arsenal down to the wire.
While Arsenal fans are delighted about Guardiola’s reported exit as Mikel Arteta could dominate the Premier League like his fellow countryman, the club still have a title to win this season.
Having lifted the FA Cup on Saturday, one would assume that the City players have all the confidence in the world to trounce Bournemouth and keep the Gunners honest in the title fight.
Manchester City will take Arsenal beating Burnley 1-0 if the title comes down to goal difference if Mikel Arteta’s side share points with Crystal Palace on Sunday. However, a fresh update has emerged that could mean the title race could be wrapped up on Tuesday.
Man City squad shocked by Pep Guardiola exit news
Sun Sport have reported that Pep Guardiola is ‘furious’ about the news surrounding his inevitable departure from Manchester City getting leaked to the press.
Guardiola is said to be disappointed about the timing of the reports as Manchester City’s title hopes depend on whether they beat Bournemouth; dropped points would mean Arsenal win the league.
Mikel Arteta knows Arsenal are edging towards history but on the other hand, the City boss is believed to have arranged a late-night group call with his players to apologise about the way the news emerged.
2026 FA CUP WINNERS!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/PnpoFE0Yol
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 16, 2026
Pep Guardiola was apologetic as the manager himself was surprised about the news emerging and furthermore, the players were assured that he would stay next season as recently as on Saturday when his side won the FA Cup.
Guardiola confirmed to the players he was leaving Manchester City as the players are believed to be in a state of shock. Arsenal’s determined win against Burnley was another example that they are not taking their eye off the ball and perhaps their title rivals may now against Bournemouth and hand them the title.
Man City’s record against Bournemouth under Pep Guardiola
Based on the history of the fixture during Pep Guardiola’s reign, Manchester City will likely defeat Bournemouth.
Man City’s record vs Bournemouth under Pep Guardiola All competitions
Matches 17
Wins 16
Draws 0
Losses 1
All statistics correct as of 19/05/2026
In 17 meetings, Guardiola’s side have won 16 and lost one in all competitions.
However, if Manchester City’s players are unable to get over how stunned they are about Pep Guardiola potentially leaving the club, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta could lift the title before even facing Crystal Palace.
Srinivas Sadhanand
Srinivas Sadhanand is a writer for Read Arsenal and Read Man City, with over eight years of experience as a sports journalist. He has worked for established companies such as GRV Media, The Economic Times, Urban Pitch and Sportskeeda among several others. From interview athletes to writing detailed tactical pieces and covering the impact streetwear and music in football, he has many strings to his bow as a journalist. Being a lifelong Manchester City fan, he specialises in writing about them and the Premier League in particular. Away from the desk, he loves watching European football, cricket, films, listening to music and exploring new foods.
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