Pep Guardiola Insists Premier League Title Race Remains Alive Ahead of Brentford Clash

Pep Guardiola has insisted Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge is far from over despite their damaging 3-3 draw against Everton earlier this week.

City dropped crucial points at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night, leaving them five points behind league leaders Arsenal in the title race. Although Guardiola’s side still possess a game in hand, their hopes of retaining the title now depend not only on winning their remaining fixtures but also on Arsenal slipping up in the closing stages of the campaign.

The setback came after City had reignited their title hopes with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium on 19 April, followed by a narrow 1-0 win away to Burnley.

Prior to that crucial victory over Arsenal, Guardiola had suggested his side would likely need to win every remaining match to stay on course for the championship. However, despite the latest setback, the City manager refused to admit defeat in the race.

Guardiola Refuses to Give Up

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Brentford, Guardiola acknowledged the challenge facing his side but maintained belief that the title battle is still alive.

“Of course it is more difficult now,” Guardiola admitted. “We are competing against a team that has reached the Champions League final. We dropped two points in a difficult match against Everton, but we must keep going and see what happens.”

City host Brentford at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening, while Arsenal travel to face West Ham United the following day.

When asked whether he would be keeping a close eye on Arsenal’s trip to London Stadium, Guardiola made it clear his immediate focus remains on his own side’s responsibilities.

“First we must do our job against Brentford,” he said. “It is always a mistake to look too far ahead. Brentford are a difficult opponent and we have had an excellent season, so we need to concentrate fully on ourselves.”

Belief Still Strong Inside the Squad

Guardiola also highlighted the mentality within his dressing room, pointing to the determination shown by his players despite recent setbacks.

Following Arsenal’s defeat to City last month, Declan Rice was seen insisting that the title race was “not done”. A similar message emerged from City’s camp after the Everton draw, with Erling Haaland declaring: “We’re still there.”

Guardiola believes that attitude is essential during the final weeks of the season.

“We showed that spirit against Everton,” he said. “At 3-1 down many teams would have given up, but we kept fighting and managed to come back to 3-3.”

Rodri Nearing Return from Injury

City also received a potential boost with midfielder Rodri returning to light training after recovering from a groin injury sustained during the victory over Arsenal.

Guardiola confirmed the Spaniard’s availability for the Brentford fixture remains uncertain but expressed hope that the influential midfielder will feature again before the end of the season.

“We will see whether he is ready for Brentford,” Guardiola explained. “Hopefully he can play again before the season finishes.”

Guardiola Backs Foden to Rediscover Best Form

Meanwhile, reports this week revealed that Phil Foden has reached an agreement in principle over a contract extension that would keep him at Manchester City until 2031.

Despite struggling for consistency and losing his regular starting place at times this season, Guardiola expressed confidence that the England international will rediscover his best form.

“He simply needs to recover the joy of playing football again,” Guardiola said. “Not because of contracts, pressure or expectations — just the pure enjoyment of the game like when you were a child playing in the street or in the academy.

“When he finds that feeling again, he will return to his best.”

The City manager also dismissed any concerns over Foden’s long-term future, stressing that the midfielder still has many years ahead of him at the highest level.