Manchester City’s week is moving along sweetly, this win closing the gap to three points to Arsenal, who travel to Brentford on Thursday. On Sunday, they beat Liverpool at Anfield, on Wednesday they downed Fulham at home to reel off a 20th consecutive victory against them.
The rosiest moment for the title challengers was Erling Haaland’s 39th‑minute strike, a first in the competition from open play in nine games, though more concerning was his removal at the break, when City led 3-0.
“Niggles,” said Pep Guardiola. “Fatigue. He said: ‘I don’t feel comfortable.’ With 3-0 and a lot of games and having Omar [Marmoush] – common sense to take him off.”
The clean sheet raises City’s goal difference to +30, two behind Arsenal. Who knows: the metric may prove the decider when the crown is handed out in May. Guardiola, though, refused to embrace City being three points behind the Gunners.
“We are not three points before they play Brentford, after that we’ll see,” he said. “It’s more important how we can be more consistent over 90 minutes. But a really good performance, one of the best. After Anfield it is important – these emotional games – the next one is always tricky.”
