Manchester City’s win over West Ham was proof that no game will be easy in their quest to win another Premier League title.
City beat Arsenal and Fulham in the last week to take control of the title race, but were made to work hard at Craven Cottage, and were under pressure for large periods in the 3-0 win over West Ham on Wednesday.
That was their first of two games in hand that took them top of the table, however Guardiola made a point of warning his players and wider supporters that nothing should be taken for granted. The manager also pointed out Arsenal’s big win over Chelsea as evidence that they won’t give up their title, and predicted that the trip to Everton on May 14 will be one of the
Pep Guardiola said: “I said after Arsenal when everybody said it’s over, it is not over and yesterday Arsenal prove it, they will not give up. I know well Mikel [Arteta] how competitive he is and a few players, they are a historical team and they will be there. Every game we have a question, like Fulham. We were quite stable and at the end we create enough chances to win the game. We have an opportunity on Saturday to go four points ahead before they play and after we will see what happens in Champions League, Goodison Park. Game by game. We spoke just one sentence before we arrive and before we come here so everyone is expecting the Arsenal game and after we have a bad game. West Ham have exceptional players, they have a tough season, but always we struggle a lot against West Ham. It wouldn’t be an exception. Today was windy, cold, everyone was a bit down. And the people expect City here, eight or nine games in a row, that we are going to win 4-0 after 20 minutes. This is completely, completely not in the reality. Leeds will be quite similar. I cannot imagine the game in Goodison Park. I saw the game how they played at Leicester in the front foot, how aggressive they are so will be so difficult. For Arsenal as well [to play] Newcastle and Brighton are not easy. These kind of games, is important to be stable in your mind and be patient in the quality we have. In the end we can do, five games to go, it’s in our hands, we have to try and do it.”
