Pep Guardiola, the manager of Manchester City, expressed genuine admiration for Arsenal’s captain Declan Rice after the English midfielder publicly insisted that the Premier League title race remains wide open, even after his side’s recent defeat to City. The statement came in the aftermath of City’s 2-1 victory over the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium, a win that not only shifted momentum but also placed the Citizens in a position to overtake Arsenal on goal difference should they secure a win against Burnley on Wednesday night, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. During the post‑match celebrations at the Etihad, cameras captured Rice addressing his teammates in the dressing room, reminding them that "the race is not over" despite the setback. Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports News presenter Vinny O'Connor, praised the Arsenal captain’s attitude, saying, "I love that.
I love that. That's why Arsenal are still in the hunt." He went on to explain that Rice’s comment exemplifies the mental resilience that has defined Arsenal’s season. "I saw it on Monday and it shows what Declan Rice means to this group.
It’s the Arsenal mentality – the kind of competitiveness we have seen from them in the league and in the Carabao Cup over the past few seasons," Guardiola said. He added that the Gunners’ ability to stay unbeaten in the Champions League while still challenging for the domestic title reflects the influence of manager Mikel Arteta and a core of players who internalise that winning message. Guardiola highlighted the importance of that resilience in the crucial final stretch of the campaign. "In the tough moments they keep saying ‘we’re still here, we’re still in it’.
That’s a good example for us of what we’ll face in the next five or six games of the title race," he noted. When asked whether he had shown the video of Rice’s remarks to his own squad, Guardiola replied, "They know exactly what kind of opponents we’re going to meet in the next five games for them, six for us. If anyone thinks the title race is over because we beat them, Declan Rice has reminded us that they are still very much in contention." The match itself featured a controversial incident involving Arsenal defender Gabriel, who appeared to head‑butt Manchester City’s match‑winner Erling Haaland.
Both players received yellow cards, and Gabriel escaped a potential three‑match ban for violent conduct. Guardiola drew a parallel between this situation and two red cards his own side had suffered 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 may have been influenced by the stature of the players involved.
"I would not play that game right now," Guardiola said when pressed on the incident. "I don’t have much sympathy for the refereeing standards in this country, so what can I say? I know Erling behaved as he did.
I remember Nolito’s case and Rodri’s case – both received three‑game bans because the other player was a ‘big artist’. Erling has not done that. Ultimately it’s a decision for the officials, and I’m pleased we got another yellow card for our side." Addressing pundit criticism that Haaland should have exaggerated the contact to win a penalty, Guardiola defended his striker, stating, "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. The media encourage that behaviour now.
Erling behaved like an extraordinary player, and I’m proud of what he’s done." Looking ahead, City’s upcoming clash with Burnley, who sit second‑bottom in the table, will be pivotal. A win would bring City level on points with Arsenal, but the Citizens would claim top spot on goal difference – a statistic that has become a hot topic as the season draws to a close. Guardiola was asked whether the margin of victory would matter, and he responded pragmatically: "It’s simply 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 victory is fine; that’s the goal." He added that the team should focus on creating chances and maintaining momentum rather than obsessing over goal tallies. "Sometimes you think you have to score a load of goals, but the opponent might create 72 chances and score five.
Goal difference is about scoring and not conceding, not just about one side of the equation." In summary, Guardiola’s comments underscore his respect for the competitive spirit shown by Arsenal and its captain, while also highlighting the fine margins that will decide the Premier League crown. The upcoming fixtures, especially the Burnley game, will test both teams’ resolve, and the manager’s emphasis on winning each match, rather than fixating on goal margins, reflects the pragmatic approach City will need to adopt in the final weeks of the season.