Newcastle United are in the midst of a Premier League blip right now, but that is not the view of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.
His side are set to face Arsenal tonight, in what looks set to be a crucial fixture in the race for the title. The Gunners are currently top of the table, but that could be about to change.
If Man City win at the Emirates, they will replace Mikel Arteta’s side and move up into first place. It is going to be a very important night in north London as the master meets the apprentice, but Guardiola believes there are more than two clubs in this season’s title race.
Manchester United are currently in third, while Newcastle United are fourth. Erik ten Hag’s team are five points off the top, while the Magpies are 10 points behind leaders Arsenal.
However, Guardiola still believes that they are both in contention to be lifting the Premier League trophy come the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola thinks Newcastle are in the title race
The 52-year-old spoke to the press ahead of the game against Arsenal, and discussed the other clubs that could beat them to the Premier League title.
“Yeah, (Newcastle and Manchester United) they’re there,” he said.
“When I said (there were) a lot of points to play for, I was not just talking about us. I think in the Premier League many points and things can happen in the next weeks that we don’t know.
“So always I have the feeling, especially now, in European competition, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cups around the corner this week or next week.
“That’s why I have the feeling in eight or ten games will decide who will win titles, we have to be there in the last moment to make that last effort, to try be there and try to achieve it.”
No chance Newcastle are in the hunt for Premier League top spot
Guardiola is having a laugh if he thinks Newcastle are contenders for the Premier League title. While we are having an amazing season, there is no chance we finish top after 38 games.
Based on our current form, we will be lucky to qualify for the Champions League. But even if Eddie Howe’s side finish outside the top four, it has still been an incredible campaign – especially when you consider where we were last season.
It is strange that Guardiola is still talking us up as title contenders. This isn’t the first time he has mentioned it. He has believed we are in the title race since November.
On the one hand, he’s talking rubbish. We are absolutely not going to win the title and it is a garbage claim by Guardiola.
On the other, at least he still thinks we are in the mix. The media continue to talk up Man United’s title credentials, but fail to mention Newcastle. That is despite the fact we are only five points behind and have a game in hand on the Red Devils.
In truth, neither side is in the title conversation. Despite what Guardiola says, it is a two-horse race between his team and Arsenal.
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