Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned his team not to get complacent in their pursuit of the Premier League title, despite a 4-1 victory over Arsenal on Wednesday night that moved them to within two points of the league leaders.
Guardiola’s team have two games in hand over Arsenal, giving them an apparent advantage in the title race. However, the Spanish coach has urged his players to remain focused on the task at hand and not underestimate the challenge ahead.
“I know Mikel [Arteta] perfectly and the players know it that Arsenal will not give up,” Guardiola said to reporters after the match. “One of the real prizes [for Arsenal] is done – getting to the Champions League next season. They will not give up.”
“When we are 10 points clear I will say it is almost over but the reality today is we’re two points behind. We have two games [in hand] but we have to be respectful for the teams we play – West Ham and Brighton – and we have to beat them.”
Guardiola has also warned his players about the dangers of complacency, using Arsenal’s recent form as an example.
“I said to the players: What happened to Arsenal in the last games – three draws, one defeat – can happen to us. It’s impossible? No, my friends, it can be possible. You can drop points in one week. We have to be aware of that and then it will be easier for us not to drop points.”
City have won all of their last seven matches in the Premier League and are unbeaten in their last 10, while Arsenal are without a win in four league games, having drawn three in a row before their midweek loss.
City will face Fulham on Sunday, while Arsenal will take on Chelsea on May 2 in what promises to be a crucial game in the race for the top four.
