Pep Guardiola has revealed his immediate reaction to Arsenal’s win over West Ham was to focus on Manchester City’s next fixture.
The Gunners had to survive a nervy finale at the London Stadium on Sunday afternoon when Callum Wilson’s volley crossed the line deep into stoppage-time.
A point for the Hammers would have boosted their hopes of survival, while denting Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions and handing the advantage back to Man City in the process.
However, following a VAR review, the West Ham equaliser was disallowed because Pablo Felipe was adjudged to have fouled David Raya as the Gunners goalkeeper attempted to claim the cross.
Speaking ahead of City’s clash against Crystal Palace, Guardiola explained that he was not sure how his players reacted to the late drama because he had given the squad the day off following their 3-0 win over Brentford.
However, when asked about his reaction in the pre-Palace press conference, the Spaniard said: “Crystal Palace - and thinking what we have to do.
“As I always learned from my career as a manager what you can’t control, forget about it.
“[Focus] and do better what we have not done better this season to fight for the Premier League. We are still fighting and [next it’s] Crystal Palace.”
Man City know they must beat Palace or risk the title race being decided before they return to Premier League action next Tuesday against Bournemouth and Guardiola has said the challenge for his side has not changed.
“It’s the same one as one day, two day, one week ago, two weeks ago, same one,” Guardiola told reporters.
Man City have a mixed recent record against Palace. While they are unbeaten in this fixture in the Premier League since October 2021, they not managed to complete the double over the Eagles since the 2022-23 campaign.
