‘Arsenal aren't going to drop many points’ – Guardiola

PREMIER LEAGUE ‘Arsenal aren't going to drop many points’ – Guardiola

Kiplagat Sang 11:00 - 16.04.2023

The Citizens were lucky to pick up more points on Saturday that took them close to Arsenal.

Pep Guardiola has admitted that Arsenal are not going to drop more points and that Manchester City must win all their games.

City were winners after beating Leicester City 3-1 at the Etihad. This was the first game for Dean Smith in charge of the Foxes, and he could not stop the home side from collecting points to move them three within Arsenal, who are in action on Sunday.

"Like I said lately, it is always win, win, win," said Guardiola.

"They [Arsenal] have done an incredible season so far, aren't going to drop many points. It was important to win today [Saturday] because it is a final we have against them in the next game."

The Citizens lost composure and rhythm in the late stages of the second half, especially when John Stones, Rodri, Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne, and Jack Grealish were taken off.

"It was completely different because the guys that start the second half it was the same approach as the beginning," the Spaniard explained.

"I have a little bit of experience to play in three days in the important stages and you make a lot of substitutions. Some dynamics we have and some players don't. And when the game was under control, we made the changes.

The former Barcelona manager admitted he was worried in the last 15 minutes as Leicester piled more pressure on City. After Kelechi Iheanacho scored, the Foxes became more ambitious and almost grabbed a draw.

The Nigeria forward and James Maddison missed late chances that would have sealed a memorable comeback.

"Of course, it was worrying - we made a mistake and then they had the chance with Maddison and Kelechi. The game was tricky in the last 15 minutes. But the first 60-65 minutes was good."

"It's always tricky after the Champions League against a team who is fighting but the quality is there. We started really well with focus, but when you make lots of substitutions, you drop a little bit. It's three points, and we move on to the next one."

Next for City is the return leg of the Champions League against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.