Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has warned that the Premier League title race could effectively be over if his side drops points at West Ham this Saturday.
City travel to face the relegation-threatened Hammers just hours after Arsenal play Everton at home. A Gunners win would see them temporarily open a 10-point gap at the top, adding pressure on Guardiola’s men.
“Now it’s West Ham that defines the Premier League,” Guardiola said. “The league is the most difficult title. I believe it’s the most difficult one. Now we go there knowing that if we drop points, it will be over.”
City’s recent 2-2 draw at home to Nottingham Forest, another team fighting relegation, highlighted the stakes. Guardiola acknowledged the intense competition, saying, “I’ve always said when we arrive in the last 10 games every team plays for something — for relegation, for Europa League, for Conference League, for Champions League, to be champions. Now there are no second chances.”
The City boss also addressed his team’s midweek 3-0 defeat at Real Madrid in the Champions League, defending his lineup and tactical decisions despite criticism. “There are logical reasons for that,” he said. “I want to rotate the team; we want to be good. My players are extraordinary, and they were extraordinary in many things. You can say whatever you want.”
Guardiola’s focus now returns to domestic competition, with a crucial Premier League fixture against West Ham followed by the second leg against Real Madrid at the Etihad. Every point matters as City look to maintain their bid for another league title.