Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed genuine enthusiasm after hearing Arsenal captain Declan Rice declare that the Premier League title race is still very much alive, even after his side’s recent loss to City on Sunday. The victory, a 2-1 triumph for the Citizens over the league leaders, represented a significant statement in the ongoing battle for the crown. With that win, City positioned themselves to overtake Arsenal on goal difference should they secure a win against Burnley on Wednesday night, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In the aftermath of the final whistle at the Etihad Stadium, a camera caught Rice speaking to his Arsenal teammates, reminding them that the competition was "not over" despite the shift in momentum.
Guardiola praised the midfielder’s words, calling them a reflection of the fighting spirit that defines Arsenal’s approach. "I love that. I love that," Guardiola told Sky Sports News’ Vinny O'Connor in an exclusive interview. "That’s exactly why Arsenal are still in the mix.
I saw the clip on Monday, and it shows what Declan Rice brings to the team – that Arsenal mentality we have faced repeatedly in the Premier League and even in the Carabao Cup. They are a highly competitive side." He went on to highlight the resilience that Arsenal have shown throughout the season, both domestically and in Europe.
"They have managed to stay unbeaten in the Champions League while also challenging for the Premier League title. You have Mikel Arteta guiding them, but you also have players like Rice who embody the message that we must keep pushing. In the tough moments, they remind themselves that they are still contenders. That’s the kind of example we will face in the remaining six games for them and five for us in the title race." When asked whether he had shown his squad the video of Rice’s remarks, Guardiola replied that his players are already fully aware of the challenges ahead.
"They know exactly what opponents we will meet in the next five games for them and the six for us. If anyone thinks that beating Arsenal ends the title fight, Rice has just proven otherwise." One of the most talked‑about incidents from the dramatic Sunday encounter involved Arsenal defender Gabriel, who appeared to head‑butt City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland. The referee deemed the contact insufficient for a red card, issuing only a yellow to each player. Guardiola drew a parallel with two red cards he had seen handed to his own side since taking charge in 2016 – Nolito’s head‑butt on Bournemouth in his first season, and Rodri’s similar offense against Morgan Gibbs‑White in 2023, both of which resulted in three‑match bans.
Guardiola hinted that Haaland escaped a harsher sanction because he did not appear to be a "big artist" in the incident. "I would not play that game right now," he said, expressing frustration with refereeing standards in England. "I have no sympathy for the referees here, so what can I say? I know Erling behaved as he did.
I remember the Nolito and Rodri cases – both received three‑game bans because the other player was a big artist. Erling was not. The decision lies with the officials, but I’m pleased we only got a yellow." Addressing pundits who suggested Haaland should have exaggerated the contact, Guardiola responded with sarcasm.
"That’s nice! Referees still think Jeremy Doku is a diving player, even though there is no one less prone to diving on the planet. Every time they call him a diver. Now pundits are encouraging that behaviour!
Erling acted like the extraordinary player he is, and I’m proud of what he has done." Looking ahead, a victory over Burnley – who sit second from bottom – would see City level on points with Arsenal and claim the top spot on goal difference, a statistic that has dominated discussions in the final weeks of the campaign. When questioned about the importance of the margin of victory, Guardiola emphasized a simple philosophy: win the game. "It’s just about winning matches," he said.
"The match will dictate how you play and how many goals you score. Of course you want to score as many as possible, but the primary objective is to win.
A 1‑0 win is fine – that’s the target. After you create chances and build momentum, you can push for more, but you shouldn’t overthink it." He warned against the temptation to chase a large goal difference at the expense of defensive solidity.
"Sometimes you think you have to score a lot of goals, but the opponent might create 72 chances and score five. Goal difference is about scoring and not conceding, not just piling on one‑sided scores." In summary, Guardiola’s remarks highlighted his respect for Arsenal’s fighting spirit, embodied by Rice’s candid comment, and underscored the fine margins that will decide the Premier League title as the season draws to a close.
Both managers and players now face a crucial run of fixtures where every point, every goal, and every moment of resilience could prove decisive in the race for the coveted trophy.