"Nothing changes, we have to win our game" - Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reacts after Manchester City's win over Everton
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is adamant that nothing has changed in the title race despite Manchester City moving four points clear at the top of the league.
The reigning champions moved closer to defending their league crown by beating Everton 3-0 on Sunday (May 14). Ilkay Gundogan grabbed a fabulous brace, while Erling Haaland scored for the 52nd time this season.
Many think that the title race is over following Manchester City's victory. Arsenal trail them by four points heading into their home game with Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Arteta insists that the Gunners just have to win their game, telling Sky Sports:
"Nothing changes - we have to win our game. We don't have any other choice. We have to win (our last three games) to gives ourselves the best chance - starting today. We have a big task ahead of us to beat Brighton."
Arteta's men face a high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion side who're chasing European qualification. A slip-up to the Seagulls at the Emirates will have devastating consequences on the Gunners' title hopes.
Arsenal are now relying on City faltering in their last three games, against Chelsea (May 21), Brighton (May 24) and Brentford (May 28). However, they also will have played one game more than the Cityzens following their fixture with Roberto De Zerbi's side. They will hope to cut the gap back to one point as we enter the dying embers of the season.
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola signals to fans after moving four points clear of Arsenal
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola headed to home fans at the Etihad following his side's comfortable 3-0 win over Everton. The Spanish coach lifted two fingers toward the City faithful, signalling that two more wins will mean they win the title.
Pep Guardiola told the Man City fans after the game "two more" wins needed for them to win the Premier League title ✌️ https://t.co/MsCPppDsqS
Guardiola seemed to play mind games before this weekend's league action. He said that he expects Arsenal to win all their remaining games. So, he feels two more wins are required for City to be crowned champions.
The Cityzens are not only eyeing the Premier League but are on course for a first continental treble. They're in the semifinals of the UEFA Champions League, drawing 1-1 with holders Real Madrid in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu last week. The second leg is on Wednesday (May 17) at the Etihad. They also face Manchester United in the first Manchester derby in an FA Cup final on June 3.