14 April 2023 , 21:30
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Pep Guardiola has told his Manchester City players to carry on scoring – because the Premier League title could be decided on goal difference.
City famously snatched the title from local rivals Manchester United on goal difference in 2012, with Sergio Aguero's dramatic late winner. There could be a repeat of that this season, with City six points behind Arsenal – who they play on April 26 – with Guardiola's men having a game in hand.
If City beat Arsenal and win their game in hand against Brighton, the two sides will be level on points – with goal difference potentially proving decisive. City currently have a goal difference of plus five over Arsenal, but Guardiola said his players know how important it is for them to keep on scoring.
“We didn’t talk about that, but I think they know it,” said Guardiola. “The first target is to win games, but when the momentum is good, the distance is so short, so score. I didn’t speak to them about it, but maybe one day I will – but I think they’ll know it.”
Guardiola admitted having the destiny of the title back in City's hands, after Arsenal dropped points in last weekend's 2-2 draw at Liverpool, was a huge boost.
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“Definitely, it’s better, absolutely we enjoy it,” said Guardiola. “I would love to be in Arsenal’s position right now, but I’m delighted to be in the position we are.
Pep Guardiola wants more Man City goals (Hayters)“Everybody knows in their body that if we lose, it's over. It's the best way to compete. Every action and set-pieces and transitions, every action in football, the players are living. They know they have to feel it, to win every action, because otherwise we're going to lose.
“The reality is we're six points behind. Nobody can guarantee we're going to win the games in hand against the best team in the world making the build-up, which is Brighton.
“There's no team better that makes the process from keeper to the last quarter – no team better in modern football right now and we also have Arsenal at home. We could drop points. There's no guarantee of everything. The reality is we are six points behind. So we have to win our games.”