Pep Guardiola has admitted the Premier League title is no longer in Manchester City's hands after his side conceded a late equaliser in a 3-3 draw away to Everton on Monday night. The result leaves City five points behind leaders Arsenal, having played one game fewer, after they squandered a 1-0 half-time lead and then needed an 83rd-minute goal from Erling Haaland to salvage a point from 3-1 down.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match at Goodison Park, Guardiola offered a philosophical take on the title race. "It's better than losing," Guardiola said of the draw. "The title? It's not in our hands anymore. Before, it was, now it is not the case. We have games left to play. We will see what happens. As long as it's not over, we will continue." The City manager praised his team's first-half display as "exceptional, really, really excellent," but acknowledged they lost some aggression after the interval as Everton fought back.
The dropped points mark a significant shift in the dynamics of the championship chase. With just four matches remaining for City—against Brentford, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa—their destiny is now dependent on Arsenal slipping up. The Gunners have a four-point cushion and a superior goal difference, with a game in hand over their rivals. City's failure to close out the game from a winning position will be a particular concern, echoing similar lapses in concentration that have cost them this season.
This result continues a curious pattern for Guardiola's team at Goodison, a ground where they have now won only twice in their last nine Premier League visits. The performance underscored a recurring vulnerability in City's defence when placed under sustained pressure, with Everton's direct approach and set-piece threat proving effective. The title race now hinges on whether Mikel Arteta's Arsenal can maintain their nerve under the intense pressure of the final stretch, having seen their closest challengers falter.
For Manchester City, the focus must immediately shift to responding with a perfect run-in. The squad's experience in navigating tight title races will be tested as they require an external favour for the first time this campaign. The coming weekend's fixtures, where City host Brentford and Arsenal travel to Wolves, could prove decisive in either reopening the door for the champions or effectively sealing their fate.
