“This is a team we want to be like and be competing on all fronts, like they are at the minute,” said Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale after they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Man City at Etihad Stadium.
On April 26, the Gunners were humbled by the Citizens, their biggest rival of the season, who now stand at two points difference in the title race. If Guardiola’s side wins at Fulham on Sunday, the team will become the new reigning cub of the 2022-23 Premier League.
After pointing at their opponent’s strong skills and competencies to win a possible treble this season, Ramsdale admitted that his club is aspiring to reach the same level while doing it in their own way, therefore they won’t give up on the pursuit of the long-awaited title.
“We are going to be disappointed now, but we have not played nine months of Premier League football, and played the way we’ve wanted to play, to give up with five games to go. If something is going to happen in football, it is going to be this League that it’ll happen in. It might not do, but stranger things have happened in the Premier League,” concluded the 24-year-old shot-stopper.
The Sky Blues' last night's victory was secured due to a double-shot by the “unstoppable” Kevin De Bryune, a header from John Stones, and a stunning goal by Haaland in the extra time. By scoring his 49th goal of the season, the Norwegian star broke the record for the most goals in the history of 38 Premier League games.
Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta admitted that the other team was better in “every department” in last night’s match and played efficiently.
“City were probably at their best, especially in the first half, and we were nowhere near our level. I don’t think we were scared, but the way we started the game didn’t help us,” evaluated the Spanish manager.
Conversely, Guardiola emphasized that the title race is not over yet and that the upcoming three matches will be crucial to determine their place in the league”.
“It doesn’t decide the title, but it was very important to beat our rival. If Arsenal had won, the destiny would be in their hands,” said the Man City boss via Evening Standard.