Pep Guardiola has conceded that Manchester City are no longer in full control of the Premier League title race following a frustrating 3-3 draw against Everton on Monday night.
Speaking in his post-match interview with Sky Sports, Guardiola admitted the reigning champions must now shift their focus to winning their remaining matches while hoping for a slip from rivals Arsenal.
“Not in our hands,” Guardiola said bluntly, reflecting on the growing challenge facing his side in the closing stages of the campaign.
The result leaves City trailing the Gunners by five points, although they still hold a game in hand.
However, the advantage firmly lies with Arsenal, who have three fixtures remaining against West Ham United, Burnley, and Crystal Palace.
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Should Arsenal secure victories in all three matches, Mikel Arteta’s side will be crowned champions regardless of City’s results — a scenario Guardiola is keenly aware of.
Despite the setback, the City manager insisted his team must maintain focus and composure, emphasizing the importance of finishing the season strongly.
The dramatic draw against Everton highlighted both City’s attacking prowess and defensive vulnerabilities, raising questions about their consistency at a crucial point in the title race.
With the pressure mounting and little margin for error, City’s hopes now depend not only on their own performances but also on Arsenal dropping points in their final run-in — a situation that marks a significant shift in what has been a fiercely contested Premier League season.