Pep urges players to keep 'the title illusion' alive

It seemed that Arsenal would cruise to the Premier League title, but AFC Bournemouth’s win at the Emirates on Saturday brought real drama into the final stretch of one of the strongest leagues in the world—if not the strongest. The Gunners once again showed signs of that “losing aura” under Mikel Arteta (just one trophy in seven years, and that came in his debut season), and now Manchester City are back in the title race. The gap remains nine points, but Pep Guardiola’s team have two games in hand. Confidence has surged at the Etihad, but it won’t be easy for City, as they visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the standout match of round 32.

The Blues are also struggling—three defeats in their last four league games and two consecutive losses have shaken the team led by Liam Rosenior. Things didn’t work under Enzo Maresca, but the situation seems even worse now with the English coach, who started the season at RC Strasbourg. Still, the “world champions from New York” remain in contention for a Champions League spot, sitting four points behind defending champions Liverpool FC, currently in fifth place—so sparks are expected to fly in West London. City, however, can’t boast great form either. They were comfortably knocked out by Real Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16, and in their last two Premier League matches they drew with struggling Nottingham Forest (2–2 at home) and West Ham United (1–1 in London).

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But Arsenal’s loss still gives the Citizens some hope. And Guardiola urged his players to keep ‘the illusion’ about winning the title.

"Everybody knows it. You know it, I know it, the players know it, everyone in England knows it. However many games left, we have to win all of them. We can't drop one - forget about it. Nine points is a lot of points, against that Arsenal. But if we win at Chelsea, and Arsenal at home, always you live the illusion and the wish is there to try to do it. But the reality, I'm not naive to say it's going to happen. We are talking about Arsenal, but if we don't win at Stamford Bridge that isn't the easiest place to go maybe I don't need to make a press conference before Arsenal because it will be over” said the Spaniard.

ENGLAND PREMIER LEAGUE ROUND 32

Friday

West Ham - Wolverhampton 4-0 (1-0)

/Mavropanos 42, 83, Castellanos 66, 68/

Saturday

Arsenal - Bournemouth 1-2 (1-1)

/Gyokeres 35 pen - Kroupi 17, Scott 74/

Brentford - Everton 2-2 (1-1)

/Thiago 3 pen, 76 - Beto 26, Dewsburry-Hall 90+1/

Burnley - Brighton 0-2 (0-1)

/Wieffer 43, 89/

Liverpool - Fulham 2-0 (2-0)

/Ngumoha 36, Salah 40/

Sunday

16.00: (2.85) Crystal Palace (3.80) Newcastle (2.40)

16.00: (2.65) Nott.Forest (3.20) Aston Villa (2.75)

16.00: (2.70) Sunderland (3.10) Tottenham (2.75)

18.30: (3.15) Chelsea (3.90) Man.City (2.20)

Monday

22.00: (1.65) Man.Utd. (4.10) Leeds (5.10)

***odds are subject to change***