Pep Guardiola Insists Premier League Title Race ‘Not Over’ After Man City Draw

• Pep Guardiola said the Premier League title race is “not over” despite Manchester City F.C. falling nine points behind leaders Arsenal F.C..
• City were held to a 1-1 draw away at West Ham United F.C. after Arsenal beat Everton F.C. 2-0 earlier on Saturday.
• Guardiola also called for more goals from Erling Haaland as City’s finishing struggles continue.

Pep Guardiola has insisted the Premier League title race remains open despite Manchester City slipping nine points behind Arsenal after a 1-1 draw at West Ham United.

Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton earlier on Saturday moved Mikel Arteta’s side 10 points clear at the top of the table, although they have played two games more than City.

Guardiola’s team needed a win at the London Stadium to maintain pressure on the leaders but were held to a second successive league draw, following their 2-2 stalemate with Nottingham Forest F.C. earlier this month.

Despite the gap, Guardiola pointed to City’s game in hand and an upcoming meeting with Arsenal as reasons to remain optimistic.

“It’s not over,” Guardiola said.

“We didn’t lose. It’s not over. We will continue.

“It’s so difficult but we have a game in hand and this game at home against Arsenal. I’m not saying it will be easy to beat them but there is hope. Always, you have to be there.”

City’s season faces increasing pressure, with the team also trailing Real Madrid CF 3-0 after the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie.

Guardiola said missed chances have contributed to the team’s recent struggles, including a dip in scoring form from striker Erling Haaland.

“Erling knows we need his goals,” Guardiola said.

“We need to create more chances for him too, but he had three to four good chances early in the first half and didn’t score.

“But it’s not just about him. It’s about all the players, the vibes they feel. But he will be back. Erling will be back and maybe soon too.”

Guardiola also admitted City have not shown the same consistency that defined their title-winning seasons in recent years.

“To win the Premier League you need to be more consistent,” he said.

“In the past we had the consistency to win and win and win, to always find a way. This season, not scoring goals for the amount of chances we’ve created, we’ve been punished.”

City will now turn their attention to the Champions League second leg against Real Madrid before resuming their league campaign.