Manchester City’s FA Cup win “changes things” in the Premier League title race with Arsenal.
That is the prediction of former Man City defender Micah Richards after watching Pep Guardiola’s side complete the second part of a potential domestic treble by beating Chelsea in the FA Cup final.
Antoine Semenyo’s stunning improvised finish in the second half proved decisive at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, though City were far from their free-flowing best having scored nine goals in the three Premier League matches heading into the cup final.
Richards, though, believes with another trophy in the bag, City can now give their all in the final two games of the season in hope of denying Arsenal their first league title in 22 years.
“They are in with a chance and that’s all that matters,” Richards said on BBC Sport.
Then when asked if the cup win changes anything, the former England defender said: “Confidence-wise, yes because they can focus on the league now.
“But let’s see.”
Man City take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday night, knowing the title race will be done and dusted if they fail to pick up three points and Arsenal beat Burnley 24 hours prior.
Guardiola, however, has put measures in place to ensure his players are fully focused on the “tough” fixture by delaying any trophy celebrations until after the final game of the season.
“No [there will be no celebration]. Maybe one beer," the Spaniard told reporters.
“Next Monday we are going to celebrate with a parade in Manchester.
“Chelsea had seven days to prepare the final. We spent six hours yesterday travelling on the train. It’s a problem in this country!
“I think we behaved good and we are stable. Finals can be changed with margins.”
