Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City no longer control the Premier League title race after a 3-3 draw at Everton left them five points behind Arsenal with one game in hand.
City recovered from setbacks during a chaotic game and secured a point, but Guardiola accepted the shift in momentum. “It depends. It is not in our hands now. Before this match it was in our hands and Arsenal’s. But now, no, it is not in our hands.”
City trailed Arsenal despite playing one match fewer. The draw forced them to rely on results elsewhere while still needing wins from their remaining fixtures.
Guardiola pointed to the immediate schedule and the need to maintain standards. “We have four matches in the Premier League, the next one is Brentford. The match will be similar because the opponents are good. We will see what happens. Of course, we will go with the same confidence as we came here.”
City controlled long spells early and created chances through structured build-up. They moved the ball quickly between the lines and forced Everton back. The game shifted after the break as Everton increased physical pressure and contested second balls more aggressively.
Guardiola acknowledged that change in rhythm. “It was a really good performance. We were outstanding in the first half. It was difficult because of their physicality. In the second half maybe we lost some control. After we conceded, they reacted and played proper English football. They were aggressive in duels. But overall we played really well.”
City still salvaged a draw in a match that swung repeatedly. Guardiola saw value in the response but kept the focus on results. “It is better than losing. But of course winning is better, that is what we played for. It showed what the team is.”
City host Brentford next while Arsenal’s result against West Ham will shape the race further.
