Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed genuine admiration for Declan Rice after the Arsenal captain publicly declared that the Premier League title fight was far from over, even after Arsenal’s recent loss to City. The statement, captured on video as Rice addressed his teammates at the Etihad, resonated with Guardiola, who highlighted the importance of such conviction in a tightly contested championship race. City’s 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal last weekend was a decisive moment in the title chase. The win not only gave the Citizens a psychological edge but also positioned them to overtake Arsenal on goal difference should they defeat Burnley on Wednesday night, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The triumph was celebrated enthusiastically by the City side, yet the atmosphere shifted when Rice, in a brief interview with the camera, reminded his Arsenal colleagues that the battle for the crown was "not done". Guardiola praised the Arsenal midfielder’s candor, calling it a sign of the resilience that keeps his rivals dangerous. In an exclusive conversation with Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor, Guardiola said, "I love that. I love that.
That’s why Arsenal are still in the mix." He added that Rice’s words encapsulated the Arsenal mentality that has been evident not only in the league but also in the Carabao Cup and the Champions League, where the Gunners have remained unbeaten. "You have Mikel [Arteta] and you have players who understand the message and, even in tough moments, they say ‘we’re still here.’ That’s the kind of example we have to be ready for in the remaining fixtures," the City boss explained. When asked whether he had shown his squad the clip of Rice’s comment, Guardiola replied affirmatively, noting that his players are fully aware of the challenges ahead.
"They know exactly which opponents we will 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 just reminded us that the competition is still alive," he said. The match also featured a controversial incident involving Arsenal defender Gabriel, who appeared to head‑butt City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland. Both players received yellow cards, sparking debate over whether Gabriel should have been sent off for violent conduct.
Guardiola drew a parallel with two red cards his own side had received since his arrival in 2016: Nolito’s head‑butt on Bournemouth in his first season and Rodri’s similar offence on Morgan Gibbs‑White in 2023. He suggested that the difference in treatment might be linked to the stature of the players involved, noting that Haaland, despite the provocation, was not punished as severely. "I would not play that game right now," Guardiola admitted, expressing frustration with the refereeing standards in England. He recalled his experiences with Nolito and Rodri, both of whom served three‑match bans after head‑butt incidents involving high‑profile opponents.
"Erling behaved as he did, but the decision ultimately lies with the officials. I’m just pleased we only received a yellow card," the manager added. Addressing pundits who urged Haaland to exaggerate the contact, Guardiola responded with a mix of humor and criticism.
"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. Now the pundits are encouraging that behaviour!" He praised Haaland’s composure, stating, "Erling acted like an extraordinary player.
I’m really proud of what he has done." Looking ahead, a victory over Burnley—who sit second‑bottom in the table—would see City level on points with Arsenal, but the Citizens would claim the top spot due to a superior goal difference. Guardiola downplayed the need to chase a large margin, emphasizing that the primary objective is simply to win each game.
"It’s just about winning. 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 target is to win. Winning 1‑0 is fine; that’s the goal," he explained. He cautioned against over‑thinking goal difference at the expense of solid performance. "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 goals for one side," Guardiola concluded. This pragmatic approach underscores City’s focus on consistency and resilience as the season reaches its climax, with every point and every moment of mental strength becoming increasingly vital in the race for the Premier League crown.