Guardiola’s clarion call
TROPHY: MAN CITY URGED TO SEIZE TITLE AFTER DRAMATIC WEST HAM DRAW
Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to seize the Premier League title on the last day of the season after a dramatic 2-2 draw at West Ham kept the destiny of the trophy in their hands on Sunday.
Guardiola’s side were in danger of gifting second placed Liverpool a title lifeline after West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen struck twice in the first half.
But City’s stirring recovery showed the character that has already brought them so much success in the Guardiola era.
Jack Grealish got one back soon after the interval and Vladimir Coufal’s own goal completed City’s escape act.
It should have been even better for City, but Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was saved by Lukasz Fabianski with five minutes left.
While that was a bitter blow, in the circumstances Guardiola was relieved to have moved four points clear of Liverpool with a goal difference seven better than their rivals.
They will retain the title if Jurgen Klopp’s team lose their game in hand at Southampton today.
If Liverpool beat Southampton to close the gap to one point, Guardiola’s men can still clinch the trophy with a victory against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
A title race for the ages could well go down to the last day of the season when Liverpool host Wolves at the same time as City meet Villa. And Guardiola called on his players not to be intimidated by the pressure of a do-or-die showdown.
“Just win our game and we will be champions,” he said.
“We have the desire and wish to win the game and the title. We proved it against Wolves and today.”
City have history with last-day title triumphs, famously winning their first English crown for 44 years thanks to Sergio Aguero’s last-gasp goal against QPR in 2012, while also pipping Liverpool in their final match in 2019.
A statue of Aguero was unveiled at the Etihad on Friday to mark the 10th anniversary, but Guardiola would rather not leave it that late to secure the silverware.
“No, please, not in that way! As long as it finishes that way it will be ok. Ten years ago belongs to Sergio and that team,” Guardiola said.
Asked if he was hoping for a favour from Southampton, Guardiola said. “I would say ‘beat Liverpool 4-0’ but it doesn’t matter. If I am home, I will take a look on television.
“We will have a couple of days off to mentally disconnect then we will prepare the Villa game.”
While City are in pole position for a fourth title in five years, Liverpool have proved formidable rivals.
Klopp’s team are still chasing an unprecedented quadruple after beating Chelsea on penalties in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Having already won the League Cup and reached the Champions League final against Real Madrid on 28 May, the Premier League is the one prize that remains out of Liverpool’s hands.