Guardiola: We will give our lives to win league

Pep Guardiola says Manchester City will give their lives to win the Premier League in front of their own fans against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The City manager spoke of his relief that his team’s destiny is still in their own hands after they fought back from 2-0 down at West Ham United to draw 2-2.

They would have effectively retained the title, a fourth in five seasons, had Riyad Mahrez not missed an 86th-minute penalty.

It means that should Liverpool beat Southampton away tomorrow, City will probably have to defeat Steven Gerrard’s side at the Etihad Stadium to be crowned champions.

“West Ham away after an exceptional performance against Wolves – we knew it – we needed four points – and now there’s no debates about goal difference, we need to win our game to be champions, if we don’t win Liverpool will be champions,” Guardiola said.

“Next week our stadium will be sold out, we will give them our lives and they will give theirs all together. To do it is an incredible privilege, to have our chance with our people, to win one game and be champions. I’m looking forward to it.”

He added: “All the people, all blue people in Manchester will go to the streets and go to the stadium because they know we’re going to give everything to win that game and they will be so proud.”

If Liverpool are defeated by Southampton, the title will be City’s but Guardiola expects it to go to the last day – with Wolverhampton Wanderers the visitors to Anfield.

“It is fair against this opponent that it goes to the final game. We cannot expect anything different against this Liverpool, a perfect team,” he said. “The big privilege we have is that we are at home.”