MY ACCOUNT
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola asserted that his side’s Premier League title destiny is in their hands, and they will need to remain consistent to ward off Liverpool.
City remain a point clear of Liverpool after both sides won their respective games against Leeds and Newcastle.
Guardiola’s side took the lead via Rodri in the 13th minute at Elland Road before going on to win 4-0, moving to 83 points with four games remaining.
While the 51-year-old respects the gravity of the situation, he believes the equation is ultimately simple for City – keep winning, because Liverpool will push them.
“It’s in our hands,” Guardiola said post-match. “Wolves, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa. We win (them all), we will be champions. We drop points, Liverpool will be champions.
“We know exactly what we need to do – win our games.
“Still it is a privilege and an honour to try win back-to-back titles and four Premier Leagues in five years.
“Right now it’s not too much complicated, they are going to win their games.”
Despite the scoreline, City’s win was not necessarily routine, eventually doubling the margin through Nathan Ake from a set piece.
Asked whether the characteristically boisterous atmosphere at Elland Road compared to those they face in Europe, Guardiola added he was impressed by how the relegation-threatened Leeds were supported.
It meant his side had to display character to eventually see the game out.
“I don’t want to compare or I’ll be in trouble,” Guardiola joked. “Since I arrived in England, I heard about Elland Road – last year it was behind closed doors, today i experienced it and why it’s so special.
“Fighting to stay in the Premier League – singing, chanting and how the people get behind them. Leeds is one of greatest teams in England, and I have sympathy for the fans. I said today it would be hard.
“We stuck together and in the end it’s important to close that (goal difference) gap a little more.”
