Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his enthusiasm after Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice publicly reminded everyone that the Premier League title race remains undecided, even after City’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners last Sunday. The win was a pivotal moment in the championship battle, allowing City to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal and, with a win against Burnley on Wednesday, potentially overtake them on goal difference. When the final whistle sounded at the Etihad Stadium, cameras captured Rice turning to his teammates and declaring that the contest was "not over" despite the shift in momentum. Guardiola praised the young captain’s candour, saying it exemplified the competitive spirit that defines Arsenal and the league as a whole.
"I love that," Guardiola told Sky Sports News presenter 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 means to his side. It reflects the Arsenal mentality – the resilience we have seen season after season, both in the Premier League and in the Carabao Cup." He continued, "They have managed to stay unbeaten in the Champions League while still challenging for the league title, thanks to Mikel Arteta and players who internalise his message.
In the tough moments they keep saying ‘we’re still here’. That’s the kind of example we will face in the remaining six games for Arsenal and the five we have left." When asked whether he had shown his squad the video of Rice’s remarks, Guardiola replied, "They know exactly what we’re up against in the next five games for them and the six for us.
If anyone thinks the title race is over because we beat them, Rice has proved otherwise." The match also featured a controversial moment involving Arsenal defender Gabriel, who appeared to headbutt City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland. Both players received only yellow cards, sparking debate over the referee’s decision. Guardiola drew parallels with two red cards his own side received under his tenure: Nolito’s headbutt on Bournemouth in 2016 and Rodri’s clash with Morgan Gibbs‑White in 2023, both of which resulted in three‑match bans because the opponents were considered "big artists".
"I would not play that game right now," Guardiola said when pressed about the incident. "I have little sympathy for the refereeing standards here.
I know Erling behaved as he did. I remember Nolito and Rodri’s situations – both got three‑game bans because the other player was a high‑profile star. Haaland was not punished, and that’s a decision for the officials. I’m just glad we got another yellow card for our side." Addressing pundits who suggested Haaland should exaggerate the contact, Guardiola laughed, "That’s amusing.
Referees still think Jeremy Doku is a diver, even though there’s no one more prone to diving on the planet. The media now encourage players to act that way! Erling behaved like the extraordinary talent he is, and I’m proud of him." Looking ahead, City’s clash with Burnley – currently second from bottom – offers a chance to level on points with Arsenal. If City win, they would move ahead on goal difference, a statistic that has become a focal point in the title run‑in.
Guardiola was asked how important the margin of victory would be. He responded succinctly: "It’s about winning the game. The result will dictate how many goals we score.
Of course we try to score as many as possible, but the primary aim is to secure the three points. A 1‑0 win is fine if that’s what it takes." He added, "We focus on creating chances and maintaining momentum. We don’t over‑think the goal difference.
Sometimes you think you need to win by a large margin, but if the opponent creates 72 chances and scores five, the difference is irrelevant. The goal is to score and not concede, not to chase a specific number of goals." The broader context of the title race remains intense.
Arsenal, who have been unbeaten in the Champions League, are still battling City for the top spot, while Liverpool, Manchester United and Newcastle are also within striking distance. Guardiola’s comments underline his respect for Arsenal’s resolve and his belief that the competition will not be decided until the final whistle of the season. As the fixtures tighten, both managers will need to manage squad rotation, injuries and the psychological pressure of a race that, as Rice reminded everyone, is far from over.