Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Manchester City might succumb to nerves as they pursue a fourth consecutive Premier League title on Sunday, despite their seasoned experience. City’s ascent to the top of the table, edging two points ahead of Arsenal, came courtesy of Erling Haaland’s brace securing victory over Tottenham on Tuesday. While this win marked City’s first triumph at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the Premier League, Guardiola characterized their performance as less than stellar.
Although Haaland’s early second-half goal provided a lead, substitute goalkeeper Stefan Ortega’s three crucial saves kept City’s victory intact until Haaland sealed the deal with a stoppage-time penalty. Despite their remarkable eight-game winning streak in the Premier League and unbeaten run in open play since December 6, City faces West Ham on the final day. Guardiola’s side understands that anything short of victory could pave the way for Arsenal to snatch the title if they overcome Everton.
“They were playing for the consequences of the result. When you play football thinking about the consequences, you are going to lose the Premier League, you cannot perform at your best level,” said Guardiola of his side’s display.
“But they are human beings so I can understand the pressure is there.
“It will be the same against West Ham. We will feel the pressure.”
In the same circumstances two years ago City needed a late rally from 2-0 down to beat Aston Villa 3-2 and deny Liverpool the title.
“They feel it there and they know it. They are not celebrating, there is relief but there is still a job to do,” added Guardiola.
“The tennis players say ‘the serve to win Wimbledon is the most difficult one’.
“(We need to) prepare well, completely focus and try to win there.”
Rodri said City are ready to rewrite the record books once more by becoming the first side to ever win four consecutive English top-flight titles.”We know it wasn’t our best performance but we came here to win and that’s what we do,” said the Spanish midfielder.
“We have the experience of Aston Villa. We know it is going to be tough but with our people, our crowd, we know we can make history.”
In a tense evening in north London, Arsenal relied on their local rivals to assist them, and Tottenham indeed gave Manchester City a fright. The tension heightened when Ederson had to be replaced by Ortega after sustaining a head injury in a clash with Cristian Romero. Despite Ederson’s evident frustration at being substituted, Ortega emerged as City’s hero by making a crucial save to thwart Son Heung-min’s attempt at an equalizer five minutes before full time.
“Stefan was simply incredible”, added Rodri.
“I know Edi was upset but the substitution makes sense because he had a concussion.”
