Pep Guardiola believes “incredibly fortunate” Manchester City were aided by the dry state of the City Ground pitch in their 2-0 win over wasteful Nottingham Forest.
City reeled in Premier League leaders Arsenal as goals from Josko Gvardiol and Erling Haaland at Forest reduced the gap to one point at the top with a game in hand, making themselves favourites for a fourth successive title.
It was far from their best performance, though, and were grateful to Forest for wasting four gilt-edged chances as Chris Wood missed two sitters and Neco Williams and Murillo also were denied from close range.
Guardiola said those opportunities were missed because the pitch was dry and the ball bounced high.
“It was really hard, harder than last season when we drew here,” the Spaniard said. “We knew before the game that was going to happen and we were so lucky and fortunate today that the pitch was so dry and high.
“With the chances they had with a better pitch condition they would have scored. We were incredibly fortunate for that.
“Nothing was wrong with the pitch. It was dry from the weather and the sun and that helped us.
“When we play at home we decide the way we play, when we play away we adapt. We were lucky that the chances they had they could not contact with the ball.”
The title race looks like going down to the wire, but it is in City’s hands and they know if they win all four of their remaining games they will be champions again.
With the Gunners looking in imperious form, Guardiola does not think City can afford drop any points.
“We prefer they (Arsenal) lose, we cannot control what they do, they make a good result,” he said.
🔝 @Arsenal have the points on the board⏰ @ManCity have the game in-hand 😬 @LFC have it all to do
Who comes out on top? 🏆 pic.twitter.com/yeBH3tcVPb
— Premier League (@premierleague) April 28, 2024
“Four games left, I don’t think we can lose any points and we know exactly what we have to do.”
Goalkeeper Ederson left the City Ground with a sling on after picking up a shoulder injury in a clash with Forest defender Moussa Niakhate.
Guardiola added: “He doesn’t look good, we will see in the morning with the doctor. It’s his shoulder.”
Defeat for Forest, who cannot blame perceived VAR injustices this weekend, leaves them firmly in the mire, currently a point above 18th-placed Luton with three games to go.
Nuno''s reaction to #NFOMCI 🗣
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) April 28, 2024
There remains an asterisk next to Forest’s name in the table, though, as they wait to hear the outcome of their appeal against a four-point deduction for breaking financial rules.
That could happen early next week and Nuno Espirito Santo wants it resolved.
“We are all waiting on that decision, we are hoping that it is very soon so we can deal with the reality,” the Forest head coach said.
“We don’t know exactly how many points we are on; 26, 28 or 30. Let’s wait and see.
“It will make a big difference. Not just for us, for everybody, all the league.”
Jack Grealish Man CityPep Guardiola has left Jack Grealish out of Man City's squad for their final day tilt against Fulham, fuelling speculation over the winger's future. Manchester United FC v Manchester City FC - Premier LeagueWHAT HAPPENED?Grealish is scheduled for talks with the club this summer, but his omission from their crucial trip to Craven Cottage is the latest sign his future likely li...
Manchester United v Fulham - Emirates FA Cup Fifth RoundVictor Lindelof's time at Manchester United is drawing to a close as the Swedish international will leave once his contract expires.WHAT HAPPENED?Fabrizio Romano has reported that a final decision was made following a meeting this week between the club’s hierarchy and the player, marking the end of an eight-year stint at Old Trafford. D...
🔊 Can Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League for the second consecutive season? Their chances look promising, especially with Manchester United unfortunately becoming one of the main point donors in the Premier League. However, a win at Old Trafford won't be enough. They need one of the top three to drop points. Regardless, the visitors will be playing solely for the win, making the favorite...
🔊 Can Newcastle secure a top-five finish in the English Premier League? Currently sitting fourth, they are only ahead of Chelsea and Aston Villa on goal difference. This makes a win at St. James' Park crucial for the Magpies. Everton might not be in contention for anything significant, but they remain a tricky opponent. We'll explore various scenarios to make an insightful prediction. Head-to-Head...
🔊 Will Manchester City secure a spot in the Champions League by the end of the Premier League season? A victory would guarantee it. However, under certain scenarios, a draw or even a loss might suffice. Fulham, stuck in mid-table, aren't contending for anything significant. With a lack of motivation, they appear as the underdogs in this clash at London's Craven Cottage. Nonetheless, we will explor...
🔊 Can Ipswich Town wrap up their stay in the English Premier League with a victory? They're up against West Ham, a team with a decent squad but plenty of on-field issues. This gives the "Tractor Boys" a chance to delight the crowd at Portman Road, even though they aren't the favorites. We'll explore various scenarios to make a well-founded prediction.Head-to-Head📊 The only head-to-head encounter b...
🔊 Will the final round of the English Premier League serve as a dress rehearsal for the Community Shield? These very teams will compete for the trophy in August. It's a familiar scenario for Liverpool, but not so for Crystal Palace, who will make their debut in such a match. However, both teams are unlikely to be looking that far ahead, as their lineups are bound to change. More likely, players fr...
🔊 How will Leicester look without their legend, Jamie Vardy? The team is likely to undergo some restructuring, but that's a challenge for next season when the Foxes will be competing in the Championship. Bournemouth, on the other hand, will remain in the Premier League, though their squad could see significant changes due to increased demand for their players. In this upcoming clash, neither team ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Enzo Maresca now The Arsenal of Italy When you see it… Arteta really thinks this. The difference The last time Man United won a European Trophy was when they played against… Andre Onana! James Maddison had a big night Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC...
Kyle Walker's decline led to him being cast aside by Pep Guardiola, before he joined AC Milan in January. Since then, it has been Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis that have operated at right-back, but Man City are keen for a specialist to be brought in during the summer. And they have now set their sights on one of the Premier League's brightest talents.Man City identify Tino Livramento as leading rig...
- 1 Mikel Arteta ready to give his life to deliver silverware for Arsenal
- 2 Man City withdraw and Liverpool could steal
- 3 Mikel Arteta apologises for failing to deliver Arsenal a Premier League title
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Man City target right-back Tino Livramento
- 6 Liverpool vs Crystal Palace Prediction 25 May 2025
- 7 Man United man makes stunning claim
- 8 Tottenham vs Manchester United Prediction 22 May 2025
- 9 Goodbye Jack Grealish?! Pep Guardiola axes Man City star from squad for crucial Fulham clash as transfer talk continues to swirl
- 10 Eberechi Eze is at it again as he helps Crystal Palace to victory against Wolves