City will ‘give their lives’ to retain crown
LONDON: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said they are ready to “give their lives” in the final match of the season to retain the Premier League title in front of their supporters.
Manchester City fought back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 with West Ham at the London Stadium on Sunday and stay in charge of their thrilling title battle with Liverpool.
The Reds visit Southampton today and host Wolves on the final day of the campaign on Sunday when City are at home to Aston Villa.
Victory against Aston Villa will guarantee City the title.
“It’s in our hands, that’s good,” 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, after many years. To have our chance with our people, to win one game to be champions. I’m looking forward to it.”
While City could be crowned champions today if Liverpool lose to Southampton, Guardiola said he was only focused on his own side.
“If they lose or win it depends on us do the most perfect game we possibly can do,” Guardiola said.
“Against this Liverpool you cannot win the league four games ago. You have to fight until the end. The big privilege is that it is at home and it is in our hands.”
West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen struck twice in the first half but Jack Grealish pulled one back for City early in the second before Vladimir Coufal scored an own goal.
It was the first time City bounced back from two goals down in a top-flight game since 2012.
Guardiola’s men missed the chance to win when Riyad Mahrez’s penalty was saved by West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski four minutes from time.