Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola discusses decisive goal difference factor in Arsenal title battle

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola discussed how important goal difference could prove in the title race this season.

The Premier League champions trail leaders Arsenal by six points heading into Saturday’s visit to Leicester City to the Etihad Stadium.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino gave City a crucial boost in their bid for a third straight title last weekend as Liverpool held Arsenal to an enthralling 2-2 draw at Anfield.

City cruised to a 4-1 victory in their last league outing as a strike each from Jack Grealish and Julian Alvarez added to an Erling Haaland brace for Guardiola’s men at St. Mary’s.

The Blues have a game in hand over the Gunners and will face the north London side in a potential title decider later this month at the Etihad Stadium.

A historic third successive league triumph will be guaranteed if City win each of their remaining nine league games, a marathon they have ran and finished in the past under Guardiola.

The margins are as fine as ever in what has been a fascinating fight between City and Arsenal, with Guardiola asked ahead of Saturday’s game with Leicester City if goal difference could come into play.

“Yes, we didn’t talk about that, I think they know it,” the 52-year-old said. “I never prepare (for) a game to score as much goals as possible because the first target is to win the game.

“But when the game is in your hands and the dynamic and momentum is good, it’s better to not stop because the distance is so short. Everything can happen.”

City retain a goal difference of +48, five greater than Arsenal’s, and Guardiola is leaving it to his side to add to their tally as best as possible when leading in games.

The Spaniard added: “I didn’t speak to them (the Manchester City squad) about that. I didn’t speak, but maybe one day we will comment. I think they know it.”

A packed run of games awaits Manchester City as they bid to pull off an incredible treble of trophies, with upcoming ties against Sheffield United in the FA Cup and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Guardiola was further quizzed on whether he prefers his side to be in action every three days, a scenario the Blues have encountered frequently since 2016. “No, four days. Three days I don’t like, four days is OK. Yeah, I would love, “Guardiola said.