Despite previously claiming a draw would end their title hopes, Pep Guardiola insisted the race is “not over” after Manchester City’s 1-1 stalemate with West Ham left them significantly trailing Arsenal.
Manchester City’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title stalled as they were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham.
The result leaves Pep Guardiola’s side nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who earlier defeated Everton.
Despite the setback, Guardiola reversed his pre-match stance that dropping points would prove fatal. “No, it’s not over. We didn’t lose. We continue,” he told reporters post-match.
The Blues have now surrendered leads in back-to-back games against bottom-half opposition, raising concerns about their legendary consistency.
Midfielder Rodri admitted the squad is in a “process to come back,” acknowledging they are not currently the “unbelievable team” of years past.
City must now pivot to a defining week featuring a Champions League clash with Real Madrid and a Carabao Cup final against Arsenal.