Man City Eye Crucial Brentford Win to Keep Arsenal Under Title Pressure
By Chris Mmadu
Pep Guardiola has urged Manchester City to respond strongly against Brentford on Saturday as the Premier League title race enters its decisive stage. The City manager stressed that his side must focus on winning their remaining fixtures to maintain pressure on league leaders Arsenal.
City’s hopes of retaining the title suffered a setback after a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Everton on Monday. The result handed Arsenal greater control of the championship race, with the North London side now sitting five points clear at the summit with only three matches left to play. Manchester City, however, still has four games remaining and could reduce the gap temporarily with victory at the Etihad Stadium before Arsenal face West Ham United.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Guardiola maintained that City’s approach must remain simple and disciplined.
“Put pressure on Arsenal by winning our games. That’s all we have to do. All we can do,” Guardiola said.
City looked destined for defeat against Everton before Jeremy Doku rescued a valuable point with a spectacular late strike. The Belgian winger scored twice at Hill Dickinson Stadium, taking his tally to four goals in his last five appearances and recording his most productive scoring season since joining Manchester City, with seven goals so far.
Guardiola praised Doku’s growing influence within the squad, highlighting not only his attacking contributions but also his improvement in defensive responsibilities.
“I’m so glad. Not just the goals and assists, but also contributing defensively. Jeremy has been amazing this season,” Guardiola added.
Although a seventh Premier League title in nine seasons now appears increasingly difficult, Manchester City recently celebrated major success on the women’s side. Under coach Andree Jeglertz, the club secured its first Women’s Super League title in a decade, ending Chelsea Women’s dominance after six consecutive league triumphs.
Guardiola described the achievement as another sign of the growing global impact of women’s football, particularly among young girls and aspiring players.
“The impact of women’s football on society and young girls has been incredible. Many teenagers now grow up wanting to play football, and that is one of the biggest advances the sport has made in the last decade,” he said.
Meanwhile, City have received encouraging injury updates ahead of the Brentford clash. Midfielder Rodri is expected to return soon, while defenders Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol are also close to full fitness as Guardiola’s side prepares for the final stretch of the season.
