Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed genuine delight 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. The English champions cemented a powerful statement in the championship battle by edging past league leaders Arsenal 2-1 last Sunday, a victory that now puts them in a position to overtake the Gunners on goal difference should they defeat Burnley on Wednesday night, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. In the aftermath of the full‑time whistle at the Etihad, cameras caught Rice turning to his teammates and reminding them that "the race is not done," a comment that Guardiola praised as emblematic of Arsenal’s fighting spirit. In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor, Guardiola said, "I love that.
I love that. That's why Arsenal are still in the mix.
I saw it on Monday and it shows what Declan Rice means to his side. It’s that Arsenal mentality we have seen over the past seasons in the league and in the Carabao Cup – they are incredibly competitive." He went on to note that Arsenal’s resilience, even in moments of adversity, is a key factor in their continued relevance.
"They have the mental toughness to say ‘we are still here, we are still fighting,’ and that is exactly the kind of example we will face in the remaining five or six games that decide the title," Guardiola added. When asked whether he had shown his own squad the clip of Rice’s remarks, the City boss replied, "They know exactly what kind of opponents we will encounter in the next five games for them, six for us. If anyone thinks that beating Arsenal means the title race is over, Rice has just reminded us that they are still very much in contention." One of the most talked‑about moments from the Sunday encounter involved Arsenal defender Gabriel, who appeared to head‑butt City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland.
The referee opted for a yellow card for both players rather than a red, sparing Gabriel a three‑match ban for violent conduct that could have seriously hampered Arsenal’s title hopes. Guardiola drew a parallel with two red cards his own side had received since he arrived in 2016 – Nolito’s head‑butt on Bournemouth in his debut season and Rodri’s similar offense on Morgan Gibbs‑White in 2023 – both of which resulted in three‑game suspensions because the opposing players were deemed "big artists." Guardiola seemed to suggest that Haaland escaped harsher punishment because he stayed on his feet after the incident.
"I would not play that game right now," he said, expressing frustration with the refereeing standards in England. "I have no sympathy for the referees here. I know Erling behaved as he did.
I remember the Nolito and Rodri incidents perfectly – both received three‑match bans because the other player was a big artist. Erling was not, so the decision lies with the officials.
I’m just glad we got another yellow card for our side." Addressing pundits who urged Haaland to exaggerate the contact, Guardiola responded with a hint of sarcasm: "That’s nice! Referees still think Jeremy Doku is a diving player, even though there’s no one less prone to diving on the planet.
Every time they call him a diver, the pundits encourage that behaviour. Erling behaved like the extraordinary player he is, and I’m incredibly 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 but claim the top spot thanks to a superior goal difference, a statistic that has become a focal point in the final weeks of the season. When questioned about how many goals City need to win by, Guardiola emphasized a simple philosophy: "It’s all about winning the games. The match will dictate how you play and how many goals you score.
Of course you try to score as many as possible, but the primary target is to win. A 1‑0 win is fine. After that, if you’re creating chances and have momentum, go for it. Don’t over‑think it." He warned against an obsessive focus on goal margin, noting that sometimes a team can dominate possession and create numerous chances yet still lose by a large scoreline.
"Goal difference is about scoring and not conceding, not just about one side of the equation," he explained. "If you concentrate on winning, the goals will follow." In summary, Guardiola’s admiration for Rice’s candid reminder of Arsenal’s resolve underscores the tightly contested nature of the Premier League title chase.
Both managers now have a handful of decisive fixtures ahead, with every point and every goal potentially shaping the final league table. The upcoming clash with Burnley will be a crucial test for City’s ambition, while Arsenal will look to rebound and keep the race alive, embodying the very spirit that Rice so passionately voiced.