Pep Guardiola again expresses frustration with hectic game schedule as Spurs fixture arrives
By Hidayah Ali
The Premier League 23/24 season has officially reached its almost end with only a few midweek fixtures and then the last matchday featuring on Sunday.
The winner of the Premier League is far from decided, with both Manchester City and Arsenal taking the title race right down to the wire.
Last weekend, the title contenders claimed three points each after being successful in their fixtures; for Man City, it was a 4-0 win over Fulham, while Arsenal played Man United and secured a 1-0 scoreline.
The Gunners will play Everton on the final day of the season, at the same time Man City will meet West ham.
But, before that takes place, the Cityzens will have another fixture which comes against Tottenham, on Tuesday the 14th of May.
It's to be remembered that there is only one point separating the top two; with Arsenal on 86 points and City on 85 points.
While it looks as if the League would be deemed as Arsenal's to lose, it's actually the opposite as it's Man City who have an extra game to overtake.
Arsenal will hope that their rivals Spurs will be able to do a little favour by getting City to drop points, and while Man City will be favourites of the encounter, they do find themselves in a spot of bother when taking on Tottenham.
This season, the two clubs have played each other twice; a 3-3 draw in the League and then a 1-0 victory for City in the FA Cup.
City will work towards a better repeat of their FA Cup result; a game won but possibly with a comfy scoreline especially if the winner goes down to goal difference in the end.
Manager Pep Guardiola knows exactly what a huge task his squad gave in front of them, and during his recent press conference he addressed City's dramatic end of the season,
"We have something unique in front of our eyes (winning four PL titles in a row). When we were in February, March, April it was 'Oh, we are still there - we can do it' and that ignited something in all our heads to say 'Guys, no team has done it'."
Guardiola mentioned how well the team have done despite having injury problems for the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland.
"Our players stepped up with minutes and have played really good. Our game helped us to be where we are right now. I would say it's not the easiest opponent to play (Spurs), but it is what it is, and we go for it."
"I think we won for many years the respect from our opponents, that's for sure. They know the teams like Liverpool and Arsenal are there, how difficult it is and every year we are there. I wouldn't like to give my words as it sounds like how good we are."
Pep's frustration with the hectic schedule was again shown, as be mentioned the team haven't had time to recover for such a vital fixture fully,
"I would have loved to prepare this game (more) as it is the most important game of the season, but we cannot prepare because we are still recovering from the game against Fulham. But, we are used to playing these kinds of situations and we are ready - we are ready to do it."
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