Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has expressed admiration for Declan Rice's assertion that the Premier League title race remains undecided, despite Arsenal's recent defeat to City. Following their 2-1 victory over the league leaders, City can potentially claim the top spot with a win against Burnley on Wednesday.
Rice's post-match comment, captured on video, showcased his unwavering resolve, earning praise from Guardiola. In an interview, Guardiola commended Rice's mentality, stating it reflects the competitive spirit of Arsenal.
Guardiola drew parallels with his own team's experiences, highlighting the importance of resilience in the face of adversity. The City boss emphasized that his players are aware of the challenges they will face in the remaining games, citing Rice's comment as a prime example.
Meanwhile, Guardiola addressed the incident involving Gabriel and Erling Haaland, where the Arsenal defender avoided a red card for an apparent headbutt. Guardiola compared this to past incidents involving his players, suggesting that Haaland's decision not to exaggerate the contact may have influenced the referee's decision.
When asked about pundits encouraging Haaland to engage in more play-acting, Guardiola expressed his pride in the player's conduct, describing him as an extraordinary player who behaved with integrity. With City potentially taking the lead in the Premier League, Guardiola stressed the importance of winning games, rather than focusing solely on goal difference.