Pep Guardiola says victory over Arsenal has simply given Manchester City 'hope'

Guardiola's star striker Erling Haaland netted the decisive goal in the second half during a win that narrowed the lead at the summit to just three points, and City still have a match to play.

The manager, full of energy throughout the match, laughed off the question about whether he relished the encounter.

"Relishing it is not quite the term I'd use," the Spaniard remarked. "It's okay. That match instilled hope in us. Nothing more."

"After the final whistle, I told the players to savour the instant but stay sharp. We're in the mix, yet the truth is, who leads the standings? Not us," Guardiola continued.

"On goal difference if we tie on points, who holds the advantage? They do. Still, we have hope to keep the fight alive and going."

Guardiola has a track record of shattering Arsenal's title dreams, with his Manchester City teams pursuing them into spring before launching unstoppable end-of-season pushes that transform optimism into anxiety and championship battles into typical City triumphs.

He called Sunday's intense battle a fitting showcase for the title chase, commending Arsenal's toughness and strength.

"Some claim they've lost their edge," he noted. "But watching them in action, battling for every ball, handling long passes, second balls, and corners, they are a remarkable side. That's how they stay at the top all year."

The City boss dubbed the game "the finest promotion for football globally and for the Premier League."

At the centre of the action stood Haaland, returning to league scoring after two months and engaged in a fierce contest with Arsenal's defenders William Saliba and Gabriel.

A scuffle with Gabriel ripped Haaland's jersey, and he flung it to the fans.

"I wouldn't want to be Erling Haaland facing off against William Saliba and Gabriel," Guardiola commented grinning. "Truth be told, I'd rather pick up a novel."

Haaland thrived in the intensity.

"It's typically this way, full of scraps," the 25 year old Norwegian explained. "Whether I came out on top is for others to judge. I got the goal, so at that point I did. It mattered, and we took the win."

Guardiola attributed the forward's recent lack of goals to the strain of a packed schedule.

"A player of that size, competing every few days through November, December, January, February, keeping up physically is no simple task," he observed.

To wrap up, Guardiola paid tribute to captain Bernardo Silva, departing after nine seasons with City.

"If I dwell on it too much, I'll get emotional," Guardiola shared. "So I'll just offer thanks from the bottom of my heart. When we call someone 'a legend,' it deserves all caps. He is an exceptional, truly exceptional talent."

City can match Arsenal's points and claim the top spot with a win against bottom half side Burnley on Wednesday.