City in the driving seat? | “Arsenal have lost three big games!” | The Final Whistle
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What are the implications of Manchester City's win over Arsenal?
Football on Off the Ball. Sir Alex Ferguson was the master of that, of taking pressure off his players, casting it onto referees, the opposition. Us in the media were responsible at times. You know, the kick manufacturer, I mean, all sorts, you know, anyone but he's the players. That's what the best managers do. They're lightning conductors for criticism and pressure, so they take it off their players. And Pep's brilliant at that.
Join in the obsession. Subscribe now at offtheball.com forward slash join. Well, we're at the Etihad Stadium in the aftermath of what was one of the best Premier League games we've definitely ever attended, Brian, over the last number of years.
It's finished Manchester City 2, Arsenal 1. Is it going to have a big impact on the Premier League title race, this result today?
I think going into the game today, we knew it was going to have a major impact on who the winner of the title is going to be. By Manchester City winning, it gives them an absolutely brilliant chance of winning the title. The momentum is with them. Arsenal have obviously been losing games, lost three big games recently, lost the Bournemouth in the League, League Cup final also, they lost the Champions League, sorry, they lost the Cup game also, so they are I think the momentum is definitely with Manchester City now. So yes is the answer to that. Had Arsenal got a draw today, I think it might have been enough to help them win the league. Had they got a win, obviously they extended their advantage.
But they're in a dicky position now. Absolutely. I did ask you on air, but just to say again, obviously City need to beat Burnley by two clear goals to take top spot from Arsenal in their match in midweek. It's three nights away. Do you think they can win it by the two clear goals against Burnley to take that top spot?
Oh certainly, so looking at the current form where they're playing, Burnley are almost relegated at this stage.
How does Pep Guardiola manage pressure on players?
They'll try to put up a fight, but I think looking at Manchester City's current form, they're probably freshening the team up a bit. He stuck with the same team more or less for the last few games. whether he starts again with Doku and Semenya in the way of positions. I mean, they're playing very well, but you look at the talent he's bringing on, Foden and Savino, late in the game. He was slow to make changes today because he obviously was so happy with how the team are playing, but I think they've got a squad good enough to go and beat Burnley.
Is Donnarumma a concern between now and the end of the season? We saw his big mistake in the game today, which allowed Arsenal to get the equaliser. He's dropped clangers before, it's not the first time. Is he a concern between now and the end of the season for City?
Well, he would be, but James Trafford was the other goalkeeper who was playing for England not so long ago. But I don't see them dropping him. He also made some very, very vital saves in the game today. And his distribution let him down on the goal. Obviously, he made a big, big error. But equally, he started the move that led to the winning goal with a brilliant catch, throw out quickly. to Nick O'Reilly, got him advancing up the pitch on the left side. He was able to link up with Doc, who O'Reilly gets her again, plays her into Holland, who scores. So, you know, he had a mixed game, I would say, today, very much at fault in the goal. This is a concern for the manager, I'm sure it is, but I think they'll dominate the games they have still to play.
But there's plenty of tough games in that for them still.
What impact does this result have on the Premier League title race?
You're looking at Brentford and Bournemouth, Aston Villa, you know, these teams are not going to lie down and just, you know, roll over and allow Manchester City to steamroll them. But we've seen it before and Pep gets more points in April than anyone else, you know, season after season. They average, I think it's over 2.5 points per game, you know, which is very, very high average in the critical stage of the season as there always is, April into May.
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Chapters
5 chapters
1
What are the implications of Manchester City's win over Arsenal?
0:00–2:08
2
How does Pep Guardiola manage pressure on players?
2:08–3:45
3
What impact does this result have on the Premier League title race?
3:45–6:09
4
Can Arsenal recover after losing three significant games?
6:09–8:35
5
What are the chances of Manchester City beating Burnley?
8:35–9:57
Speakers
3 identifiedMore from OTB Football
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