Pep Guardiola said Manchester City are still fighting for the Premier League title as they prepare to face Crystal Palace on Wednesday, 20:00 BST, with the gap to Arsenal able to shrink to two points if they win. A defeat would hand Arsenal the chance to clinch the title against Burnley.
Guardiola said the pressure has not changed after City drew at Everton on Sunday and now enter a run of four games in 11 days, with the FA Cup final coming on Saturday. He said Rodri is better and will train this afternoon, while Abdukodir Khusanov is also better after a tough knock against Everton and will train this afternoon, with no concerns about either player for the final. The manager added that the squad arrives in good shape in terms of availability.
City’s focus is split between the title chase and the cup, and Guardiola made clear that both remain alive. He described Marc Guehi as an incredible and unbelievable signing for Crystal Palace, praising the way he stays focused in every game and in his private life, and said that kind of behavior is what defines big players at big clubs.
The immediate test comes against Palace, but the wider picture is harder to ignore. City need results to keep Arsenal within reach, and with the final on Saturday, Guardiola is trying to keep one eye on the league without losing sight of the trophy already waiting at the weekend.
