Manchester City fell six points behind Arsenal in the Premier League title race after losing 1-0 to Aston Villa while the Gunners defeated Crystal Palace.
Manager Josep Guardiola believes Manchester City can bounce back from Arsenal throughout the Premier League season despite being six points off the top of the table. City lost 1-0 to Aston Villa on Sunday, while Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace by the same scoreline to take control of the title race.
Matty Cash’s shot from the edge of the box proved the difference at Villa Park, as the home side succeeded in silencing the in-form Erling Haaland. City remained unbeaten in nine games in all competitions thanks to Haaland’s strong form, but they were unable to match manager Unai Emery’s side.
Haaland had the best chance when Phil Foden’s through ball was saved by Emi Martinez, but at the other end Gianluigi Donnarumma was busy denying shots from John McGinn and Jadon Sancho. The result leaves City fifth in the Premier League behind Arsenal, Bournemouth, Tottenham and Sunderland.
But Guardiola has plenty of experience competing for titles, having masterminded six titles in nine years at City, and has no intention of throwing in the towel.
read more: Eberechi Eze sent a clear message to Crystal Palace fans after scoring Arsenal’s winning goalread more: Mikel Arteta admits he suffered four injuries in Arsenal’s win over Crystal Palace
“We’ve been trying to close (the gap),” he said. “Arsenal have been solid for a number of years. I’m interested in how they improve as a team and get closer. From my experience,[seasons]are very long. This is my experience.”
“There are a lot of teams there. Bournemouth and the other teams are doing very well and we will try to play our game. I was worried before the international break when we were 14th in the table.”
“Listen, our job is not to look at the table, but if they win all their games and win the Premier League, congratulations.
“But I feel like the team is alive and the team is good. I don’t know how many teams can play here and play like we did, playing with courage, possession and chances, conceding unexpected goals and things like that.
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“We have to improve on the details, but we’re not spending October and November thinking about what will happen if we don’t win the Premier League. It’s game by game.”
Ebelesi Eze’s goal was enough for Arsenal to beat Palace at home and keep a sixth clean sheet in nine league games. They have the best defensive record in Europe’s top five leagues, conceding just three goals so far this season.
The Gunners next travel to Burnley in the Premier League, while City host in-form Bournemouth. Defending champions Liverpool have fallen to seventh place after four consecutive league defeats, seven points behind Arsenal.
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