Pep Guardiola says it is ‘not possible’ for Manchester City to match Arsenal’s goal difference in the Premier League title rave, insisting they must now go out and win their remaining three games.
Arsenal temporarily went four points clear at the top after their win over Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon but City reduced that to one point again after thrashing Wolves 5-1 – with Erling Haaland scoring four.
City have three league games remaining against Fulham, Tottenham and West Ham compared to Arsenal’s two, meaning they are three wins away from retaining the title.
If City were to draw any of those games and Arsenal win their remaining two against Manchester United and Everton it would ensure the trophy heads to north London.
Goal difference would also play a decisive factor were the two to finish the season level on points and despite City’s five-goal haul on Saturday, they are still six goals behind Arsenal in that department.
Speaking after the win over Wolves, Guardiola admitted closing that goal difference gap is a very unlikely scenario.
Asked if the goal is to arrive on the final day of the season with their destiny in their own hands, Guardiola told Sky Sports: ‘Of course. What happened at Villa two seasons ago.
‘We have to win at Fulham [next Saturday] at 12:30pm which is always difficult. And Spurs is always [difficult].
‘Because goal difference is not possible. We cannot draw. The way they [Arsenal] are playing since the winter break, it is incredible, the consistency and quality they have.
‘But it is in our hands. It is three games. We have to win the first, second and hopefully we arrive at the last game with our destiny in our hands.’
City’s game in hand is against Tottenham – presenting a scenario where Spurs could effectively hand the title to their arch-rivals with a win.
Manchester United find themselves in an identical scenario when they host Arsenal next Sunday where a home win would leave City within touching distance of a fourth straight title – a feat never accomplished in the Premier League.
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