Pep Guardiola sends warning to Manchester City players and fans ahead of West Ham showdown

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has issued a warning to players and supporters ahead of Sunday’s Premier League title decider.

The Sky Blues could become the first team to win four consecutive Premier League titles this weekend, with Manchester City requiring a win over West Ham United at the Etihad Stadium to secure a sixth title in seven years.

The Cityzens took a major step towards retaining their crown on Tuesday night, winning in the Premier League at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for the first time, after two second-half goals from Erling Haaland.

The 23-year-old broke the deadlock from close range just minutes into the second-half, prior to doubling the Blues’ advantage from the penalty spot in the 91st minute, after Jeremy Doku was fouled by Pedro Porro.

Stefan Ortega, who replaced an injured Ederson for the fourth time this season, also made a series of crucial late saves, denying both Dejan Kulusevski and Son Heung-min from close range.

The 0-2 victory allowed Manchester City to move two points ahead of Arsenal in the Premier League title race ahead of the final weekend of fixtures, with Guardiola’s side in control of their own destiny as a result of the win in north London.

Manchester City beat West Ham on the final day of the campaign to win the Premier League in 2014, and have also enjoyed dramatic final day successes against both Aston Villa and QPR, in order to lift the Premier League trophy.

Guardiola was quick to remind players and supporters of the difficult challenge facing Manchester City on Sunday, warning: “The tennis players say ‘the serve to win Wimbledon’, the last game, is the most difficult one.

“It will be the same on Sunday for us against West Ham. We will feel the pressure. Look at Aston Villa a few seasons ago, 2-0 down 15 minutes to go, Sergio Aguero against QPR, went to 93 minutes. It is normal. That is why we talk and say everyone has to relax themself and do what they have to do, that is all.

“We know what we’re playing for. The tension is there, the rival is so good. It’s why it is difficult, we know that. Everyone come to the stadium and make noise.

“These games are more difficult but you have to do it. We’ll have one day off, two days to prepare, and then we will do our best.

Manchester City conclude their Premier League campaign on Sunday 19th May, facing West Ham at 16:00 BST at the Etihad Stadium, meanwhile Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium.