“We have been in this position many times in the past” – Pep Guardiola remains optimistic of Manchester City’s title chances

Pep Guardiola still believes that Manchester City can win the the Premier League title, and drew on the Blues’ recent experiences of coming back from behind in previous title races.

Manchester City sit eight points behind current league Arsenal ahead of Thursday’s clash against their fellow North London rivals Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium.

The Blues suffered a 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Saturday, with City failing to capitalise on the opportunity to move within two points of the Gunners with a victory – albeit having played one more game.

As well losing ground in the race for the title, victories for both United and Newcastle led to both sides moving within one point of Pep Guardiola’s team in the table.

City have amassed 39 points so far this season, more points than they had at the same stage in both the 2020/21 and 2013/14 title winning campaigns.

However, with Arsenal having dropped points on just three occasions, catching up with Mikel Arteta’s highflyers looks set to be a tough task for a City side who have won just two of their last five Premier League matches.

Despite the Blues’ lacklustre return from the World Cup, manager Pep Guardiola remains hopeful that City can still win the Premier League title.

“Man City have been in this position [in the Premier League] many times in the past.

“It’s better [being eight points ahead], you can drop points. If you are behind you cannot drop points. Pressure is next game, we can’t think about it other to win the next. After the conditions dictate, if they’re good in all departments they’ll be there.

“They [Arsenal] are better than us so far. Many games to play. Don’t think about it, catch Liverpool who were in front in the last years, just think the next game and see what happens.”

Manchester City have previously come back from behind to win the Premier League title and are still yet to play Arsenal this season.

The Sky Blues are scheduled to play the Gunners in the FA Cup later this month, before league meetings in February and April.

City have an impressive recent record against the Gunners, winning 12 of the previous 13 meetings between the two sides.