Dr Pep prescribes cocktails to his players: "Over to you, Arsenal"
Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 22.02.26. | 18:06
It's quite unusual to see and hear Guardiola in such a relaxed tone, but here we are...
Pep Guardiola doesn't usually celebrate with bartending advice.
But after Manchester City's nervy 2-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday night, the Catalan was grinning, fist-pumping to all four corners of the Etihad - and recommending cocktails.
"I say to the players: 'Guys, what we have to do is take a lot of caipirinhas, daiquiris in these three days off!'" he laughed. "Enjoy life. Then three proper training sessions - and go to Leeds."
Doctor's orders.
The victory leaves City two points behind Arsenal and sends a very clear message south: over to you.
Guardiola admitted it wasn't vintage City. It rarely is in February, but it was something just as useful: steel.
This isn't quite the machine that rattled off four straight titles. The gears creak occasionally, and the rhythm isn't relentless. However, the manager is the same. The memory of winning is still there. And the habit of surviving tight nights remains intact.
Now the spotlight shifts to north London, as Arsenal visit Tottenham. City have applied the pressure.
And somewhere in Manchester, there may or may not be a blender working overtime.
PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 27
Saturday
Aston Villa - Leeds 1-1 (0-1)
/Abraham 88 - Stach 31/
Brentford - Brighton 0-2 (0-2)
/Gomez 30, Welbeck 45+1/
Chelsea - Burnley 1-1 (1-0)
/Pedro 4 - Flemming 90+3/
West Ham - Bournemouth 0-0
Manchester City - Newcastle 2-1 (2-1)
/O'Reilly 14, 27 - Hall 22/
Sunday
Crystal Palace - Wolves IN PROGRESS
Nottingham Forest - Liverpool IN PROGRESS
Sunderland - Fulham IN PROGRESS
19.30: (6.25) Tottenham (4.10) Arsenal (1.60)
Monday
23.00: (3.80) Everton (3.70) Man.Utd. (2.00)
***odds are subject to change***