After Manchester City’s shocking 2-2 draw with lowly Nottingham Forest gave leaders Arsenal the lead, Pep Guardiola emphasised that the Premier League championship fight is still ongoing. At the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola’s team lost the advantage twice after goals from Antoine Semenyo and Rodri were neutralised by Morgan Gibbs-White and, subsequently, Elliot Anderson.
With the final kick of the game, Savinho’s shot was cleared off the line by Murillo, adding to City’s displeasure. The news from the south coast was even worse than their inability to eliminate Forest, as leaders Arsenal’s 1-0 victory against Brighton put City out of control of the championship battle.
As they pursue their first English title since 2004, Arsenal are presently seven points ahead of City and control the outcome of the championship. Guardiola will regret another match in which his team lost control in the second half. City will play the Gunners at the Etihad in April.
‘Title race not over,’ vows Guardiola after Man City held by Forest
With a game remaining, Arsenal is currently seven points ahead after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion by the closest margin. Arsenal would still be at the top of the standings even if City defeated the Gunners in their straight April fixture and won their next game.
There are nine games left, but even if the Gunners defeat Arsenal and win their fantastic match, they will still be ahead. Pep Guardiola’s only option in this situation is to wish for Arsenal to drop points while hoping for a flawless run of victories. If not, the Premier League trophy will be brought back to Highbury for the first time in twenty-two years.
“I’m not happy with the outcome. I believe we gave it all we had to win. We had opportunities throughout the game and at the finish, but we must persevere. There are still a lot of games left,” Guardiola told TNT Sports.
We may argue that the Premier League is almost determined, but anything can happen, and the English title battle could end in a bizarre way.
