Pep Guardiola vowed his Manchester Metropolis facet would “breathe down the neck of Arsenal” as they purpose to seek out the Premier League leaders on this fascinating title race.
Metropolis are doing simply that.
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They backed up Sunday’s astonishing comeback victory at champions Liverpool by within the first half on Wednesday night time.
Guardiola’s males have began to realize momentum and now path the Gunners by simply three factors with an intriguing battle growing between the highest two.
Mikel Arteta’s facet journey to difficult Brentford on Thursday hoping to regain their six-point benefit however go into the sport beneath stress understanding Metropolis did their job in fashion.
Guardiola, although, was not getting drawn into title speak at this stage of the season, saying: “We weren’t 9 factors [adrift] earlier than Anfield, we aren’t three factors [adrift] earlier than Brentford v Arsenal, after that we are going to see.
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“I all the time say the main target is to develop, develop, develop. It is how we may be extra constant over 90 minutes, how we may be higher and the gamers really feel that [they are] doing what we wish to do.
“‘We are able to do it when it comes to mentality and patterns defensively and offensively. We’re doing that.”
‘We now have to do it once more’
The celebrations between a bunch of Metropolis gamers at full-time to protect a clear sheet epitomised the togetherness that has been solid and the character they can show.
The outcome at Anfield seems to have given Metropolis and Guardiola renewed perception that they’re able to chasing down Arsenal, regardless of not being at their rampant finest this season.
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Metropolis have the know-how of getting the job accomplished, having been prime canines in six of the previous eight seasons, whereas Arsenal shall be hoping there is not a well-known story to the previous three campaigns once they have completed runners-up.
Former Manchester Metropolis goalkeeper Shay Given instructed BBC Radio Stay: “There are nonetheless fragilities we have not seen previously maybe, however they nonetheless have the armoury I feel to go on a loopy run now and be unbeaten and all that stuff.
“It isn’t that large of a press release to say that. The style through which they received on Sunday, the psychological facet. They’ve gone ‘that is ours for the taking’.
“The assumption runs by way of the entire membership and followers the place they suppose, ‘are you aware what, we nonetheless have a terrific probability’. That may give them perception for this run-in.”
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Ex-England striker Alan Shearer added on BBC Match of the Day: “I do not suppose it might shock many individuals in the event that they went on a run. Notably after the sport on the weekend, you would see they have been filled with confidence, perception and vitality.
“They’ve accomplished their job tonight and put the stress again on Arsenal with a three-point hole now.”
The burden of expectation will lie closely on Arsenal’s shoulders earlier than dealing with the Bees, with an uncomfortable night time’s sleep in retailer after seeing Metropolis take aside Fulham in a medical first-half exhibiting.
However Arsenal know they’ll reply by claiming three factors on the G Tech Stadium and in the event that they observe it up by beating backside facet Wolves subsequent Wednesday, the tantalising prospect of a nine-point lead awaits.
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The 2 sides meet within the Carabao Cup ultimate on Sunday 22 March with the prospect of inflicting the primary direct psychological blow.
Current historical past exhibits that seven of the final 12 winners of the EFL Cup have gone on to win not less than one different trophy in the identical season, highlighting the significance of claiming the trophy at Wembley subsequent month.
They’re scheduled to fulfill at Etihad Stadium within the Premier League in April however the rivalry might see them face one another one other 3 times in the event that they progress in each the Champions League and FA Cup.
Whereas Arsenal didn’t signal anybody within the January switch window, Metropolis added Antoine Semenyo, who has scored 5 objectives already, and England worldwide Marc Guehi, who contributed to a clear sheet.
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Guardiola stated his facet are “rising”, including: “We have been collectively, extra calm with the ball, we made inside, exterior [runs]. I’d say the place was not good for Nico O’Reilly and Phil [Foden] however generally it occurs to be in higher positions, however usually actually happy.
“We suffered rather a lot at Fulham and right this moment, after bodily and emotionally at Anfield, it’s actually difficult however we talked rather a lot and I stated ‘guys we now have to do it once more’ and we did it.”
Haaland feeling some ‘niggles’
A protracted and arduous season is certain to take its toll at some stage and star striker Erling Haaland might do with a relaxation.
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The Norwegian scored in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Fulham to take his tally to 42 in as many video games this season for membership and nation.
The 25-year-old, although, scored his first non-penalty league aim since 20 December in opposition to West Ham, ending a run of 24 pictures from open play with out scoring.
However he featured in solely the primary half in opposition to the Cottagers, being changed by Omar Marmoush at half-time.
Guardiola stated the participant was feeling some “niggles”, including: “He [Haaland] stated, ‘I do not really feel snug’ and 3-0 [ahead] with loads of video games and having Omar, frequent sense [to subsititute him].
“The explanation why? Many video games.”