Guardiola on Manchester City’s title race with Arsenal: If you don’t win games you can’t think of these things

Pep Guardiola admitted Manchester City can’t think of catching Arsenal in the Premier League title race after their winless run was extended to three games.

Guardiola’s side missed an opportunity to put pressure on Arsenal as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Brighton at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Erling Haaland scored his 150th goal for City with a penalty late in the first half, but the Norwegian striker was guilty of several misses, with Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki also wasting chances.

Hampered by injuries to several defenders, City broke in the second half as Kaoru Mitoma’s first goal since September dealt a huge blow to their title hopes.

In second place, City are five points behind leaders Arsenal, who can widen the gap to eight points if they beat Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.

MATCH REPORT | Man City held out again while Brighton fought back for a draw

“If you don’t win games, of course we can’t think about these things,” Guardiola said when asked if City were still in the title hunt.

Guardiola lamented City’s missed chances as Brighton joined Chelsea and Sunderland in successfully frustrating the Spaniard in the last three games.

«The result is the result. I’m not someone who believes what we’ve done isn’t fair. One point for them, one point for us. That’s what it is,» he said.

«I really like the way we played. We have done a lot of good things, but we are not scoring goals. There are too many clear chances.»

«It’s not just one or two players, it’s all the players up front who create a lot. Unfortunately we couldn’t score and scoring goals is part of the job. That’s why we couldn’t win the games.»

“That’s football”

Guardiola was shown a yellow card during the match for his angry reaction when the penalty decision initially went against City.

The penalty, due to a foul on Jeremy Doku by Diego Gomez, was only awarded after a VAR review.

Guardiola, who argued with Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler on the touchline during the penalty controversy, said: «I complained why it wasn’t a penalty. And I was right.»

Hurzeler played down the incident, saying: «I think when it’s a tight match it’s always emotional and everyone shares their opinion. That’s football. I have huge respect for everyone at City and everyone on the staff. Emotions are part of the game of football, so everything is fine.»

City are set to sign Antoine Semenyo from Bournemouth this week after reportedly fulfilling his £65 million ($87 million) release clause.

Guardiola refused to confirm the deal, which will provide a much-needed threat to City’s inconsistent attack. «I don’t know. I don’t know what’s going to happen in the transfer window,» he said.

Published on January 8, 2026