Man City cannot afford to drop points in title race, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola insisted that Manchester City cannot afford to drop points in the Premier League title race ahead of their meeting with Nottingham Forest on Wednesday. 

The Citizens are five points behind leaders Arsenal in the table, but do have a game in hand on Mikel Arteta's side, following their 1-0 win over Leeds United last time out. 

Indeed, City have won 11 of their last 16 Premier League games (D4 L1 – 37 points), and they have won five more points than any other side since the start of MD13. 

And they will be confident of keeping that run going against a Forest side that have lost 15 of their 28 Premier League games so far this season, leaving them 17th in the table.

In addition, since returning to the Premier League in 2022-23, Forest have lost all three of their away top-flight games against Man City without scoring, conceding 11 times.

They are winless in eight away league visits (D3 L5) since a 3-0 win in November 1989, but Guardiola was not taking anything for granted, especially with Vitor Pereira in charge.

"I remember him from Porto. It was the Super Cup in Monaco," Guaridola told reporters. "I remember perfectly. I remember playing Wolves last season.

"They outplayed us in the first half. We were incredibly lucky. A top-class manager. They were alive against Brighton and Liverpool.

"When we played them with Sean Dyche, they have quality players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Callum Hudson-Odoi. They have top, top players and a big squad.

"They play for important things [battling against relegation] like us and this is starting to be a decisive part of the season.

"We have two games in the Premier League before the international break. We can't drop points because we are five points behind Arsenal."

City are given a 15.9% chance of overhauling Arsenal at the summit, with the Gunners assigned an 84% chance of lifting their first Premier League crown since 2003-04. 

Arteta's side responded to City's win with a victory over their own against Chelsea on Sunday, with William Saliba and Jurrien Timber scoring either side of half-time. 

Both goals came from corners, meaning that the Gunners' 16 goals from corners in the Premier League this season is the joint-most by any side in a single campaign, alongside Oldham Athletic in 1992-93, West Brom in 2016-17, and Arsenal themselves in 2023-24.

In addition, there have now been more goals scored from corners in the Premier League this season (138 in 281 games) than in the whole of last season (135 in 380 games).

Liverpool boss Arne Slot said that the rise of set-pieces in the Premier League meant the division was no longer a joy to watch, with Guardiola somewhat agreeing with the Dutchman's assessment of the situation. 

"Set-pieces have started to be important. It was different when I started as a manager," Guardiola added.

"When I was a young boy, we said the people in England celebrate corners and free-kicks like a goal. I remember perfectly, so nothing has changed in that way.

"Arsenal dictate how they do it and it is an important aspect. Four years ago in the NBA, the three-shot point was not involved as much, but now so many teams do it.

"It is part of the dynamics. You can sit and complain, but you have to adapt. It's part of the game. You have to adapt, especially to the way it is conducted in the Premier League.

"Every country has a specific way of doing it and every club has specific ways they play. I understand completely why [Slot's comments] and in some ways I agree."