‘Arsenal in Control of EPL Title Race’, Says Guardiola After 19th Trophy Win as Man City Boss

Pep Guardiola insists the Premier League title race remains firmly in Arsenal’s control, even as Manchester City celebrated their fifth Carabao Cup triumph under his management.

‘I would like to be nine points in front of Arsenal,’ Guardiola admitted after City’s 2-0 victory over the Gunners at Wembley.

‘The Premier League is in their hands; they punish us a lot. If they drop points, we are going to try to win our games and we will see what happens.’

The Spaniard, who has now won 19 trophies during his time at the Etihad, said he still relishes every success.

‘I still enjoy it,’ he reflected. ‘Today was a real challenge and nobody gives us anything. Today we saw ourselves and our level against the best team. We were what we are. That is the proof and challenge. That’s what we’re about.’

‘It’s eight years since we won the first Carabao Cup here against Arsenal. For many of the players today it was their first winners’ medal, and that’s what we need. It tells us okay, we can do it. Still we are much better than last season but not the team we should be. That requires time. Hopefully next season and the end of this season we can do it.’

City now head into the international break with momentum, still fighting on two fronts: the FA Cup and the Premier League.