“There are a lot of games to play” – Pep Guardiola predicting more title race drama as Arsenal go seven points clear
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola maintains there is a lot to fight for in the title race despite his side losing further ground to Arsenal on Wednesday night.
City’s winning run came to an end at six games across all competitions as two moments of brilliance from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson rescued a 2-2 draw for Nottingham Forest at the Etihad Stadium.
Arsenal, on the other hand, picked up their third Premier League win in a row courtesy of an early Bukayo Saka strike against Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.
The Gunners stand seven points clear of City and despite playing an extra game, Mikel Arteta and co are firmly in the driving seat in the title race and will be confident of winning a first Premier League title in 22 years for Arsenal.
Where do City’s title chances stand after drawing to Forest?
Manchester City made a poor start to 2026 that saw doubts circle over their silverware prospects in January but after turning a corner in February, there was renewed hope of another potential title hijack from the Etihad Stadium.
However, City’s chances of usurping Arsenal look bleak and Guardiola knows his side can only control their own results and hope for a slip-up from the north Londoners after their latest set of dropped points against Nottingham Forest.
“Disappointed for the result. We did everything, again,” Guardiola said in a post-match interview with TNT Sports. “We didn’t concede much and we had chances, at the end especially, but during the game as well. But yeah, (we will) keep going.”
On whether he is expecting further twists and turns in the title race, Guardiola added: “There are a lot of games to play so we have to continue.”
What did Guardiola make of Manchester City’s penalty claims against Forest?
Manchester City had two major shouts for a penalty waved away by referee Darren England against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, prompting strong criticism from club captain Bernardo Silva for officiating decisions repeatedly going against the Blues this term.
However, Guardiola took a more pragmatic approach to his verdict on the denied penalties. “Nothing to say,” the Catalan said to TNT Sports on the penalty shouts that went against Manchester City against Forest.
Adding on the subject in his post-match press conference, the 55-year-old said: “Always I believe we have to do much better, much better to not make interventions from officials.
“Otherwise, we don’t have anything. It’s our responsibility to do better. If you have to rely on them with what happened this season, it’s impossible. Nothing more to say.”
How do Manchester City pick themselves up to go again?
Guardiola was not overly critical of his side’s performance against Forest – in fact, the Manchester City manager liked certain aspects of what his players put on show against Vitor Pereira’s men.
“In general, it was a good performance,” Guardiola said in his press conference. “Many, many good things. And of course, we have things we can improve in some departments. But in general, really good.”
On whether it would be difficult for Manchester City to pick themselves up again after their latest setback, Guardiola said in a defiant tone: “Are you sure? Okay…”
Guardiola and his players don’t have the luxury of time to dwell upon Wednesday’s disappointment as they quickly switch their focus to Saturday night’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park.
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