“But it will not happen” - Manchester City boss Guardiola highlights what he wants inside first 10 minutes vs West Ham
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is looking forward to their final Premier League match of the season against West Ham United at the Etihad on Sunday, May 19. City, currently on top of the table with 88 points, will need to match or better second-placed Arsenal's result in their last league game against Everton to be crowned English champions again.
Speaking of his expectations of the game, Pep Guardiola told the press (via football.london):
"We'd like to be 3-0 up after 10 minutes vs West Ham… but it will not happen."
The Spanish manager recalled their last Premier League fixture of the 2021-22 season where they faced Aston Villa at the Etihad and bagged a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory and won the league. Guardiola expressed confidence in his squad and said:
"I have a feeling it will be like Aston Villa in 2022. We are ready. My players will never give up."
Arsenal will face Everton at Emirates Stadium in their last league match of the 2023-24 season. The Gunners will have to defeat Everton and hope Manchester City drop points to secure their first title in 21 years.
If Mikel Arteta's side win and City draw their fixture, the Gunners will claim the title based on goal difference. Arsenal have the advantage with a goal difference of 61, while City's is 60.
Manchester City boss Guardiola praises goalkeeper Stefan Ortega
In their previous Premier League clash, Manchester City bagged a 2-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur on May 14, at Spurs' home ground. City's first-choice goalkeeper Ederson had to be taken off in the second half after a clash with Spurs defender Cristian Romero, and was replaced by Stefan Ortega.
Pep Guardiola praised Ortega, who made three saves and was named the Player of the Match, saying:
"Stefan makes an incredible save (the save from Son). He has this talent, one us one he is one of the best keepers I've seen in my entire life. He has the German culture, stand up, go down. Since I arrive, in the FA Cup and Carabao Cups."
The Manchester City boss also praised the German goalkeeper's ability to fill in for Ederson and said:
"Ederson has had four injuries [this season]. He (Ortega) is so reliable, an incredible keeper. Our keeper trainer made an incredible decision to sign him."
Ortega has kept eight clean sheets in 18 games across competitions this season. Meanwhile, City also have another chance to bag silverware this season with the FA Cup final coming up against Manchester United on May 25 at Wembley.