Pep: It could be won and lost on goal difference

PEP GUARDIOLA has predicted the Premier League title race will go down to the wire if Manchester City can survive a ‘terrible’ February. Guardiola takes his side to face Everton at Goodison Park tonight hoping to replace Liverpool at the top of the table on goal difference, just days after he felt City had been written off. The Spaniard believes Liverpool, who have faltered by drawing their last two games against Leicester and West Ham, were crowned champions too hastily in some quarters and that City are destined for more drama after winning the title on the last day in 2012 and 2014. ‘I’m pretty sure the winner will be decided in the last fixture or two,’ said Guardiola. ‘The Premier League could go to goal difference, I agree. But we are not going to tell the guys they have to win 5-0. The first message is to win the game and the second is, if you can score and avoid conceding, do it. ‘Three or four days ago, we were done. The champions were Liverpool. Now we could be leading. But still we are three points behind. I would prefer to be in the position of Liverpool. Everything changes quickly. Even I said seven points (gap) would be tough for the confidence. If we win (at Everton) we are top of the league. Who could think that? Not two months ago. ‘The lesson of that is never give up and focus on what you have to do. Forget about the rest. ‘When you speak about what they have to do, you forget about yourself. A huge mistake.’ Liverpool’s stumble has raised questions about their ability to handle the pressure of a title fight with City, following the club’s infamous collapse in 2014. Guardiola did not comment on the mentality of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, but backed his own to stay strong. ‘I trust my players,’ he added. ‘Under pressure, they react well. They accept the challenge.’ City face Chelsea in the league and Carabao Cup final this month, as well as playing in the FA Cup fifth round and against Schalke in the Champions League. Yet Guardiola believes it will be a huge lift for his players to emerge from February still in contention. ‘This month is terrible because every game is a final,’ he said. ‘But from my experience, when you arrive after this month in March, and you are in four competitions, it’s an extra plus. ‘You realise, wow, we can do something special.’ Last night’s FA Cup action — See Page 52