Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola asserted that his side’s Premier League title destiny is in their hands, and they will need to remain consistent to ward off Liverpool.
City remains a point clear of Liverpool after both sides won their respective games against Leeds and Newcastle.
Guardiola’s side took the lead via Rodri in the 13th minute at Elland Road before winning 4-0, moving to 83 points with four games remaining.
While the 51-year-old respects the gravity of the situation, he believes the equation is ultimately simple for City – keeps winning because Liverpool will push them.
Guardiola said post-match:
“It’s in our hands.
“Wolves, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa.
“We win (them all), and we will be champions. And we drop points, and Liverpool will be champions.
“We know exactly what we need to do – win our games.
“Still, it is a privilege and an honour to try to win back-to-back titles and four Premier Leagues in five years.
“Right now, it’s not too much complicated. They are going to win their games.”
City’s win was not necessarily routine despite the scoreline, eventually doubling the margin through Nathan Ake from a set-piece.
Asked whether the characteristically boisterous atmosphere at Elland Road compared to those they face in Europe, Guardiola added he was impressed by how fans supported the relegation-threatened Leeds.
His side had to display character to see the game out eventually.
“I don’t want to compare, or I’ll be in trouble,” Guardiola joked. “Since I arrived in England, I heard about Elland Road – last year it was behind closed doors, today I experienced it and why it’s so special.
“Fighting to stay in the Premier League – singing, chanting and how the people get behind them. Leeds is one of the greatest teams in England, and I have sympathy for the fans. But, I said today it would be hard.
“We stuck together, and in the end, it’s important to close that (goal difference) gap a little more.”
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