Pep Guardiola, the Manchester City manager, expressed genuine delight after hearing Arsenal captain Declan Rice assert that the Premier League title race remains very much open, even after City’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners on Sunday. The win was a statement of intent, allowing City to close the gap on league leaders Arsenal and, with a win against Burnley on Wednesday, potentially overtake them on goal difference.
In the aftermath of the full‑time whistle at the Etihad, cameras caught Rice turning to his teammates and declaring that the competition was "not done" despite the shift in momentum. Guardiola praised that attitude, saying it epitomises the kind of resilience Arsenal possess and that it serves as a reminder to his own squad that the battle is far from settled.
"I love that," the City boss told Sky Sports News’ Vinny O’Connor in an exclusive interview. "That’s why Arsenal are still in the race. I saw the clip on Monday and it shows what Declan Rice means to his side – that Arsenal mentality we’ve faced many times in the Premier League and in the Carabao Cup.
They have shown they can stay unbeaten in the Champions League and still fight for the league title. In the tough moments they keep saying ‘we’re still here’, and that’s the kind of example we’ll face in the next five or six games." When asked whether he had shown the video to his players, Guardiola replied that his squad already knows exactly what lies ahead in the upcoming fixtures. "If anyone thinks the title race is over because we beat Arsenal, Declan Rice has reminded us that they are still very much in contention," he said. The match also produced a controversial moment involving Arsenal defender Gabriel.
He appeared to head‑butt Manchester City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland, but the referee only issued a yellow card to both players, sparing Gabriel a potential three‑match ban for violent conduct. Guardiola compared the incident to 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 altercation with Morgan Gibbs‑White in 2023 – both of which resulted in three‑game suspensions because the opposing player was deemed a "big artist." He suggested Haaland escaped a harsher sanction because he stayed on his feet, but ultimately left the decision to the officials. "I would not play that game right now," Guardiola admitted, expressing frustration with the refereeing standards in England.
"I have no sympathy for the referees here. I know Erling behaved as he did, and I remember the incidents with Nolito and Rodri.
Both received three‑game bans because the other player was a big artist. Erling was not. But that’s a decision for the officials, and I’m pleased we only got a yellow card." Addressing pundits who urged Haaland to exaggerate the contact, Guardiola mocked the suggestion, noting that referees often label Jeremy Doku as a diver despite his reputation. "Erling behaved like the extraordinary player he is.
I’m proud of what he’s done," he said. Looking ahead, a victory over Burnley – who sit second from bottom – would see City level on points with Arsenal, but move ahead on goal difference, a statistic that has dominated conversations in the season’s final weeks. When questioned about the importance of the margin of victory, Guardiola emphasized the primary goal: win the game.
"It’s simply about winning matches. The scoreline will depend on how the game unfolds.
Of course you want to score as many as possible, but the target is to secure the three points. Winning 1‑0 is fine. After that, if you’re creating chances and have momentum, go for it. Don’t over‑think it." He warned against obsessing over goal difference at the expense of solid defensive work.
"Sometimes you think you have to score a lot, but the opponent might create 72 chances and score five. Goal difference is about scoring and not conceding, not just piling on goals on one side," Guardiola concluded. In summary, Guardiola’s comments highlighted his respect for Arsenal’s fighting spirit, embodied by Rice’s reminder that the title chase is still alive, while also underscoring the fine margins that can decide the championship in these closing stages. The upcoming fixtures, especially the clash with Burnley, will be crucial in determining whether Manchester City can clinch the league or if Arsenal’s resilience will keep the race open until the final whistle.