CITY CHASING ANOTHER TITLE

Manchester City thrive on the pressure of playing when everything is on the line, manager Pep Guardiola said, as last season’s treble winners continue their pursuit of another three titles.

City, who lead the Premier League by two points with six games left, host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tomorrow, and play Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals three days later.

Asked about his side’s chances of lifting more silverware this season, Guardiola said after their 5-1 win over Luton last Saturday: “They like to play with the pressure. They like to know — dead or alive. I am pretty sure we will be there until the end. Because I know them. I see the faces before the games in the meetings. How they prepare.

“That means win Premier League, Champions League? No. I am not saying that. But that we will compete? That’s for sure. We have to be prepared but at the same time impose our game and try to put pressure through our game onto the opponent.”

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Premier League title destiny was wrenched out of their own hands as they lost 2-0 at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, and manager Mikel Arteta said how they react will be crucial.

A first loss in 12 league games brought back horrible memories of last season when Arsenal collapsed under the relentless pressure of Manchester City.

Late goals by Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins secured a superb win for Villa on a day in which Manchester City were left as clear favourites to win a fourth successive title.

“That’s the reality now,”

Arteta said when asked if Manchester City are now in charge of the title race. It’s been the same for a few months. We knew this moment could come and now it’s about reacting well. If one result is going to [derail us] then we are not strong enough.

“We had a great performance in the first half, it should have been three or four.

“[In the] second half the momentum shifted. Now the moment is to stand up and be counted.”