Guardiola says title in their hands as City thrash Arsenal

By Peter Ochieng

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola believes the 2022/2023 English Premier League (EPL) title is theirs to loose.

The Spaniard spoke on Wednesday night, after his side thrashed league leaders Arsenal 4-1 in a potential title decider at the Etihand stadium.

Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, as John Stones and Erling Halaand put the tie beyond Arsenal, before Rob Holding pulled one back for Mikel Arteta's side.

With the win, City cut Arsenal's lead at the top to only two points.

Arsenal remain with 5 matches, while City have 7 games to go before end of the season. Guardiola said they cannot afford to loose focus.

"We cannot lose our focus. Now it's in our hands. These next three games will dictate if we can do what we want to do. The reality is we're still behind Arsenal," said the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach.

"It will not be easy for us, but it is game by game and we see what happens. When it's in our hands, we have to use it."

On the other hand, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said he is not sure of what his team has to do to win the league title.

He added that in the meantime, they have to win all their remaining 5 games.

"I don't know what will be required to win the title. We have to lift the players up because they're suffering. It's a difficult one to swallow."

Arsenal have games against London rivals Chelsea, Newcastle United, Brighton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

Manchester City on the other hand will face Fulham, West Ham United, Leeds United, Everton, Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford, before end of the season.