Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed genuine admiration for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice after the Irish international publicly declared that the Premier League title race was far from over, even after his side’s recent defeat to City. The comment came in the wake of City’s 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal last Sunday, a result that not only shifted momentum but also placed the Citizens in a position to overtake the Gunners on goal difference should they defeat Burnley on Wednesday night at the Etihad. In the immediate aftermath of the match, as City players celebrated the win, cameras caught Rice turning to his teammates and stating emphatically that "the race is not done." Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports News’ Vinny O'Connor, said he loved hearing that sentiment, noting that it epitomises the competitive spirit that defines Arsenal.
"I love that. I love that," he said, adding that Rice’s words underline why Arsenal remain in the hunt.
Guardiola explained that the clip of Rice resonated with him because it highlighted the mental resilience that Arsenal have shown throughout the season, both in the league and in cup competitions. "It shows what Declan Rice means to the team. That’s the Arsenal mentality – we’ve faced it before in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.
They are extremely competitive," the City boss said. He went on to praise Arsenal’s ability to bounce back from setbacks, saying that their unbeaten run in the Champions League and their domestic form are testaments to a squad that can endure pressure.
"In the bad moments they have the resilience to say we are still there. That is a good example for us of what we’ll face in the next five or six games of the title race," Guardiola added. When asked whether he had shown his own players the video of Rice’s declaration, Guardiola replied that his squad already understands the challenge ahead. "They know exactly what opponents we’ll face in the next five games for them, six for us.
If anyone thinks the title race is over because we beat them, Rice has proved that they are still very much in contention," he said. The match itself was not without controversy. Arsenal defender Gabriel was involved in a heated exchange with City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland, appearing to head‑butt the Norwegian forward. Both players received only yellow cards, sparking debate over whether Gabriel should have been sent off for violent conduct.
Guardiola drew a parallel with two red‑card incidents that have occurred under his tenure. In his first season, Nolito was dismissed for a head‑butt on Bournemouth, and more recently, Rodri received a red card for a similar clash with Morgan Gibbs‑White in 2023. Addressing the incident, Guardiola suggested that Haaland escaped a harsher sanction because he remained on his feet, implying that the referee’s decision was influenced by the perceived stature of the players involved.
"I would not play that game right now," he said, expressing frustration with the officiating standards in England. He recalled his experiences with Nolito and Rodri, both of whom served three‑match bans after head‑butt incidents, and noted that Haaland did not receive a similar punishment. "But this is a decision for the referees.
I’m really pleased I get another yellow card for my team!" he added. When pundits suggested that Haaland should resort to more theatrical diving to win penalties, Guardiola dismissed the idea with a laugh.
"That’s nice! Referees still believe Jeremy Doku is a diving player when there is no less diving player on the planet. Every time they think he’s diving.
Now the pundits encourage that!" He went on to commend Haaland’s professionalism, stating, "Erling behaved like he is: an extraordinary player. I’m really proud of what Erling has done." Looking ahead, Guardiola knows that a win over Burnley – who sit second‑bottom in the table – could bring City level on points with Arsenal, with the Citizens likely to claim top spot on goal difference. He was asked whether the margin of victory would matter in the final weeks of the season.
"It’s just about winning games. Just win the games," the manager replied.
"The match will dictate how you play and how many goals you score. Of course you have to try to score as much as possible, but the target is to win the game.
Winning 1‑0? It’s fine. That is the target." Guardiola added that the team should focus on creating chances and maintaining momentum rather than obsessing over the goal tally. "After, if you’re creating chances and momentum, go for it.
Don’t speculate and try to do it. That’s the mindset we have to adopt," he said.
He warned against the temptation to chase a large goal difference at the expense of defensive solidity. "Sometimes you say, ‘oh, we have to score a load of goals’, and maybe the opponent creates 72 transitions and scores five goals. Goal difference is about scoring and not conceding, not just one side," he concluded.