Across every Premier League title race, the pressure rises. The closer each team gets to the finish line, the more the stakes rise with every game. One bad result could potentially mean curtains to either Manchester City’s or Arsenal’s title aspirations this season. It’s against this backdrop that the Manchester City squad traditionally rises to the occasion. They have done so in season’s past, and they are setting the bar once again across the final stages of this season.
Heading into yesterday’s game at Craven Cottage against Fulham Pep Guardiola’s side was again faced with a must win scenario. As it stands currently, Manchester City must win every game to create history and claim a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title. An away game to face Fulham had the potential to be banana skin for the champions. Instead, the world champions were at their best as they controlled proceedings to emphatically dispatch the hosts 4-nil.
Handling the pressure of the title race is a key component of claiming the Premier League crown. Manchester City has been down this road many times before. Now, they only need two more wins to claim their place in history. Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham will be no push overs, but after yesterday’s results City’s destiny remains in their hands. They have also placed the pressure squarely on Arsenal’s shoulders before their game against Manchester United later today. How Mikel Arteta’s side responds to City’s win is a story to watch for later today.
Speaking following his team’s crucial win, Pep Guardiola believes the pressure of the title race brings out the best in his team. He told the media: “I had the feeling they like to play with pressure. Some teams they are used to this, they have incredible personalities. Manu, Ruben, Kyle, Eddy, Rodri, Kova, Phil. Players who enjoy playing with that pressure. Otherwise, you know that if you don’t play to that level and if you lose the game, you lose the Premier League. We have known it for many years. Always the same. Don’t think anything other than the next game. See what happens. Go to London, perform well, try to win the game.”
Manchester City will have to handle the pressure once again when they take on Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening. It is a road and a scenario City know well. Based on their display yesterday at Craven Cottage, they will be up for the challenge posed by Ange Postecoglou’s side. If they can handle the pressure of the moment and take another three points against Spurs, they will head back home against West Ham with their title destiny in their own hands. City’s ability to hand the pressure may seem them ideally placed come the final day of the season at the Etihad.
More must-reads: