Guardiola keeps pressure on Arsenal after City comeback at Anfield

• Pep Guardiola said Manchester City remain in the Premier League title race after a 2-1 win at Liverpool cut Arsenal’s lead to six points.
• Late goals from Bernardo Silva and Erling Haaland secured City’s first league double over Liverpool since 1937.
• Guardiola cited fixture load, squad availability, and direct matches with Arsenal as factors that could shape the closing weeks.

Pep Guardiola said Manchester City remain in contention for the Premier League title after a 2-1 win at Liverpool reduced Arsenal’s advantage at the top of the table to six points.

City scored twice in the final six minutes at Anfield. Bernardo Silva equalised before Erling Haaland completed the comeback. Dominik Szoboszlai had put Liverpool ahead in the 74th minute.

The victory sealed a league double over Liverpool for the first time since 1937.

City can move to within three points of Arsenal if they beat Fulham at the Etihad on Wednesday. Arsenal travel to Brentford on Thursday.

Guardiola said the closing phase of the season leaves room for change in the standings.

“We are six points behind,” Guardiola said. “It is a big gap. Many things can happen. It is better to have the three points.”

He pointed to the demands placed on teams competing across several competitions.

“Who knows if six points is enough [for Arsenal], but 13 games is a lot and the FA Cup is coming, the Carabao Cup final too, the Champions League is back in March and injuries will happen.”

Guardiola also highlighted the intensity of matches against sides with contrasting objectives.

“There are also other teams playing for things — European positions, fighting against relegation and playing against teams in a relegation battle means they are trying a lot to survive and it is a proper game.”

City still have to face Arsenal at home later in the season.

“We have to play them at home,” Guardiola said. “Of course we have to beat them.”

City thought they had added a third goal late on when Rayan Cherki scored from inside his own half. The effort was disallowed after a VAR review.

Referee Craig Pawson awarded City a free kick and sent off Szoboszlai for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity after a challenge on Haaland as the ball crossed the line.

Guardiola disagreed with the decision.

“Common sense, no?” he said. “How many pulls are there in the game that referees play on? Just give a goal, play on and let Szobo play.”