Pep Guardiola stated that he does not believe Manchester City’s recent Carabao Cup win over Arsenal will influence the title race. He thinks it might even provide a renewed focus for Mikel Arteta’s team ahead of their upcoming match at the Etihad Stadium.
City secured a 2-0 victory at Wembley on Sunday, with both goals coming from second-half headers by Nico O’Reilly, marking Guardiola’s fifth Carabao Cup triumph in a decade.
The two clubs are scheduled to face each other again in the Premier League on April 19.
However, with Arsenal nine points ahead with eight matches remaining, Guardiola noted that it’s unlikely Arsenal will experience a downturn following their disappointment in the cup final.
“I would prefer to be nine points ahead in the Premier League,” Guardiola remarked.
“I don’t think this will have an effect; it’s a different competition, and they will be focused when they come to the Etihad.”
“The Premier League is in their hands,” he continued. “We have a game in hand and Arsenal at home, and we’ll do our best to win our matches and see what unfolds.”
Guardiola celebrated both goals at Wembley with enthusiasm, including sprinting down the touchline after O’Reilly scored his second.
– Manchester City defeats Arsenal in Carabao Cup; Is the Premier League title race still alive?
– Manchester City clinches Carabao Cup with Nico O’Reilly’s double
– Arsenal’s Eberechi Eze sidelined for England friendlies due to calf injury
This victory marks Guardiola’s 19th trophy during his tenure at the Etihad, and the 55-year-old expressed his intention to savor the achievement.
“Winning a title is always challenging; it brings joy and satisfaction,” he reflected.
“They pressured us intensely in the first 15 minutes, as they usually do, but after that, we began to regain control of the game.”
“We achieved an extraordinary victory,” he added. “While the Carabao Cup may not hold the same prestige as the Champions League or the Premier League, winning against such a formidable opponent makes this title special.”