Pep Guardiola says he “couldn’t care less” about Arsenal’s recent stumble that has given Manchester City fresh hope in the Premier League title race.
Guardiola’s side were in danger of being blown away by Arsenal after their inconsistent form left the Gunners in pole position.
But second-placed City have been handed a lifeline by Arsenal’s damaging draws against Wolves and Brentford.
They are now just five points behind Arsenal with a game in hand and a home match against Mikel Arteta’s men to come in April.
If City win their remaining 12 matches they will be crowned champions for the fifth time in the last six seasons.
But Guardiola is not getting carried away by the opportunity.
Instead, he remains focused on Saturday’s visit from Newcastle, when a win would close the gap on Arsenal to two points before the Gunners face Tottenham in the north London derby on Sunday.
“I didn’t talk about the table, or our position or something like that. I could not care less,” Guardiola told reporters on Friday.
“I didn’t talk about that for one second. Just Newcastle, Newcastle, Newcastle.
“If you ask me this question with two or three games left, I will have your answer. It’s 12 games left, it’s an eternity.”
Having won six titles during 10 years at City, Guardiola knows the final weeks of the season will bring more twists and turns.
He also has experience of watching Arsenal let substantial leads slip away in the 2023 and 2024 title races, allowing City to snatch the trophy from their grasp.
