The City boss isn’t getting carried away.
Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to maintain their focus in the wake of a potentially pivotal victory over Arsenal, as his side prepares for a hectic week that they may need to tackle without Rodri.
City seized the initiative in the Premier League title race as Erling Haaland’s second-half strike secured a 2-1 win against leaders Arsenal, the Norwegian’s winner coming after Rayan Cherki had seen a brilliant opener cancelled out by Kai Havertz, who pounced on ponderous play by Gianluigi Donnarumma to level.
The result leaves City three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. While Arsenal still have a one-goal advantage in terms of goal difference, City will go top with a win at Burnley on Wednesday.
Guardiola: Manchester City have ‘hope’
City’s trip to Turf Moor precedes an FA Cup semi-final with Southampton on Saturday. Though City are the heavy favourites for both those games and have the chance to take control of the title race, Guardiola offered a more reserved perspective on where a seemingly seismic result leaves his team.
He told his post-match press conference: “It gives us hope, I said to the guys: ‘Enjoy the moment but don’t lose focus right now as we have three or four long weeks left.’
“People say we have momentum but when you see them [Arsenal] compete they are an extraordinary team, otherwise you cannot be all season top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League.
“I know how difficult it is to beat them once, imagine twice. They stepped a little bit higher in the Carabao Cup final [which City won]. Who is top of the league? We are not. In goal difference, they are better. But of course, we have hopes and still extend the chance to fight until the end.”
City may have to make changes in midfield for the game with a Burnley side that could be all but relegated by the time Wednesday’s game kicks off, with the influential Rodri nursing an issue after featuring for 88 minutes against Arsenal.
“I don’t know how long Rodri will be out,” Guardiola said of the 29-year-old.
“[It’s the] groin I think the doctor said but we will see. We will make a test tonight or tomorrow.”
