Pep Guardiola has reportedly insisted that he has never lost faith in Manchester City winning the Premier League title this season, with the City boss believing that Crystal Palace still have the quality to force Arsenal into dropping crucial points before the campaign comes to an end.
Speaking after City’s latest victory, Guardiola reportedly addressed the growing pressure surrounding the title race and made it clear that he still believes there will be more twists before the final day of the season. The Spaniard admitted Arsenal have been exceptional throughout the campaign but insisted the race is far from over because every remaining fixture now carries enormous pressure.
Guardiola is said to have pointed specifically to Crystal Palace as one of the most dangerous teams Arsenal could face during the closing stages of the season. The Manchester City manager reportedly praised Palace manager Oliver Glasner for transforming the London side into an aggressive and fearless team capable of troubling any opponent in the league.
According to Guardiola, Palace possess the kind of attacking speed, physicality and tactical organisation that can create serious problems for title-chasing sides. He reportedly highlighted the form of several Palace players and claimed their counterattacking ability makes them one of the most unpredictable teams in the Premier League right now.
The City boss is also believed to have stressed that title races are decided not only by quality, but by mentality and composure under pressure. Guardiola reportedly suggested Arsenal’s younger squad could still face psychological challenges in decisive moments, especially with expectations from supporters continuing to grow every week.
While praising Arsenal’s performances under Mikel Arteta, Guardiola reportedly reminded reporters that the Premier League is “the most difficult league in the world” and warned that even one unexpected draw can completely change the direction of the title race.
He is said to have referenced previous seasons in which dramatic late twists decided the championship, insisting that Manchester City’s experience in pressure situations gives them confidence they can continue pushing Arsenal until the very end. Guardiola reportedly told journalists that his players understand how quickly momentum can shift during the final weeks of a season.
The comments immediately sparked huge reactions among supporters online, particularly Arsenal fans who interpreted Guardiola’s words as an attempt to increase pressure on the Gunners ahead of their upcoming fixtures. Others viewed the City manager’s remarks as a sign that he remains fully focused despite Arsenal currently holding a strong position in the table.
Crystal Palace’s recent form under Glasner has certainly caught attention across the league. Since the Austrian coach arrived, Palace have looked more aggressive in attack while also showing greater tactical discipline defensively. Their ability to play with intensity against stronger sides has led many observers to believe they are capable of producing another surprise before the season ends.
Guardiola reportedly acknowledged this improvement and warned that Palace are no longer a team opponents can underestimate. He suggested that their energy, confidence and attacking transitions could make life extremely uncomfortable for Arsenal if the Gunners fail to control the tempo of the match early.
Despite the mind games surrounding the title race, Guardiola also reportedly praised Arteta for the work he has done at Arsenal, describing the former City assistant as one of the best young coaches in Europe. However, the City manager made it clear that admiration will not stop him from fighting until the final moment of the campaign.
For Manchester City supporters, Guardiola’s comments will likely reinforce belief that the champions can still retain their crown. City have built a reputation for relentless late-season winning runs under Guardiola, often turning intense title races in their favour when pressure reaches its highest point.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans remain confident that this could finally be the year their club ends its long wait for another Premier League title. The performances of players such as Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice have helped the Gunners maintain consistency throughout the season, while Arteta’s tactical evolution has earned praise from across Europe.
Still, Guardiola’s latest remarks underline one simple reality — nobody inside Manchester City believes the title race is finished. With Crystal Palace still waiting as a potential obstacle for Arsenal, Guardiola clearly sees an opportunity for another dramatic twist before the Premier League trophy is finally decided.