Pep tells Man City players: ‘Relax’ and the title will be ours

After beating Tottenham Hotspur by 2-0 in a must-win game, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has a simple message to his players: ‘Relax and the title will be ours’. With this win, City moved back to the top of the points table with 88 points after 37 matches, two clear of second-placed, Arsenal.

The Sky Blues will play their last match of the season against ninth-placed West Ham United whereas Arsenal will take on 15-ranked Everton.

Meanwhile, after a goalless first half, Erling Haaland scored in the 51st minute after Kevin de Bruyne provided him the assist. The Norwegian then completed his brace as he scored from the spot kick in the stoppage time.

“They were playing for the consequences of the result [in the first half],” said Guardiola. “When you do that you are going to lose the Premier League. You cannot perform to your level.

“They are human beings, I understand the pressure. Not even Arsenal played well against Manchester United, they knew if they did not win there they would not win the Premier League.

The Spanish tactician urged his players to keep their nerves in another must-win game against West Ham.

“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 [2021-22], 2-0 down 15 minutes to go, Sergio Aguero against QPR [in 2011-12], went to 93 minutes [before Aguero scored]. It is normal.

“That is why we talk and say everyone has to relax themselves and do what they have to do, that is all.”

City will win the league by beating West Ham no matter how Arsenal fare against Everton and Guardiola added: “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.”

The Ctiyzens will take on West Ham on Sunday at the Etihad Stadium.