Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola insists the pressure of the Premier League title race has not changed, even after Arsenal’s win at West Ham appeared to put the Gunners on the brink.
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike proved enough for Mikel Arteta’s side to clinch a huge three points at the London Stadium on Sunday.
They now know that two more wins – at home to relegated Burnley and away at Conference League finalists Crystal Palace – will secure their first league crown in 22 years.
City are five points behind Arsenal and play their game in hand, at home to Palace, on Wednesday, before facing Chelsea in Saturday’s FA Cup final.
Guardiola’s men are assigned just an 11.3% chance of overturning Arsenal’s lead by the Opta supercomputer, as they will surely need a perfect end to the season and at least one favour from elsewhere.
But when asked how the pressure of the title race had shifted, Guardiola said: “The same as one day, two days, a week ago, two weeks ago… it’s the same.
“Crystal Palace [is my focus focus], thinking about what I have to do, to always learn from my career as a manager, what you can control, what you’ve not done better this season. We are still fighting.”
Guardiola was also asked about the controversial decision to disallow a potential stoppage-time equaliser for West Ham against Arsenal, with Callum Wilson’s strike chalked off after a four-minute delay as Chris Kavanagh ruled David Raya had been fouled by Pablo.
“It’s not the right person to ask,” Guardiola responded. “What was said, was said in the past. It is a question for the referees, what they decide, not me.
“VAR has not been installed in the last weekend, it has been here for many years. We adapt; we know it. Everybody knows it.”
This will be the first of two opportunities for Palace to have a say in the title race, as they are Arsenal’s final opponents on May 24 – only three days before they face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League showpiece.
But Guardiola is certain Oliver Glasner’s team will play to the best of their ability in both matches, saying: “They’re so professional. Crystal Palace will play top against us.
“We saw Leeds yesterday against Spurs, even being out of the relegation battle so they are in the Premier League again, how they competed.
“We played Aston Villa here in the past, when they had nothing to play for, and how difficult it was. I am sure they will do their best, knowing that they have the final.”
Glasner wants his Palace players to play with freedom in the coming weeks, with the Eagles’ Premier League status officially secure after West Ham’s defeat to Arsenal.
“We are enjoying the final weeks of the season,” Glasner said. “Most of the players are available and feeling well, now we have four great games left to play.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Manchester City – Jeremy Doku
Doku has been involved in seven goals in his last six appearances in all competitions (five goals, two assists), as many as he had in his previous 24 (one goal, six assists).
In addition, each of his last three Premier League goals – two versus Everton and one against Brentford – have either put City one goal ahead or drawn them level.
Crystal Palace – Jean-Philippe Mateta
Mateta has 49 Premier League goals and could become just the second Crystal Palace to reach 50, after Wilfried Zaha (68).
However, only 35% of his goals in the competition have come away from home (17/49), with just two of his 11 this term coming on the road.
MATCH PREDICTION – MANCHESTER CITY WIN
Man City are unbeaten in their last eight Premier League games against Crystal Palace (W5 D3) since a 2-0 home loss in October 2021.
Remarkably, Palace have scored exactly twice in each of their last four Premier League away games against City, but have only gone on to win one of those (D1 L2). The only visiting team to score multiple goals in five in a row at the Etihad are Tottenham (current run of five).
And, since losing 2-0 against Spurs in their opening home league game this season, City are unbeaten in their last 16 at the Etihad (W13 D3). They have also opened the scoring in all 16 of these games.
Midweek football under the Etihad lights
#AsahiSuperDry pic.twitter.com/PXk2u0Ea50
— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 11, 2026
Guardiola’s men are also unbeaten in their last 23 evening kick-offs (7pm or later) in the Premier League (W17 D6) since a 1-0 loss at Aston Villa in December 2023. However, five of their eight such games in 2026 have been drawn (W3).
There will be plenty of nerves around the Etihad, but the Opta supercomputer strongly fancies City to win this game and keep the pressure on Arsenal.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Manchester City – 78.3%
Crystal Palace – 8.7%
Draw – 13%