Guardiola urges City to seize their ‘destiny’

Manchester City stand on the brink of history as they approach the final day of the Premier League season with a two-point lead over Arsenal. Pep Guardiola, the manager of the record-breaking team, has urged his players to seize their title “destiny” by securing an unprecedented fourth successive English title.
City’s eight-game winning streak has propelled them to the top of the table, setting up a showdown against West Ham where a victory would cement their place in football folklore.
While Arsenal have enjoyed a near-flawless run in 2024, City’s relentless pursuit of victory has put them in the driving seat. Guardiola remains focused on his team’s performance, dismissing any hopes of assistance from Everton, their opponents on the final day.
“The destiny is in our hands, but if you are thinking that Everton are going to do something, forget about it. I have seen Arsenal all season,” he said.
“We just focus on what we have to do against West Ham. There is not any contamination in my brain about anything other than what we have to do to beat West Ham.”
Guardiola’s City have showcased remarkable consistency throughout the season, dropping just six points since mid-December. Despite accusations of the Premier League becoming predictable, Guardiola defends the competitiveness of the league, highlighting the challenges they’ve faced.
Arsenal, City’s closest contenders, have set a club record with 27 Premier League wins but may still fall short in their quest to dethrone the champions. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta remains optimistic, emphasizing the unpredictability of football as they strive for victory against Everton.
“We have to give ourselves the opportunity to live a beautiful day on Sunday, where the dream is still alive and is possible,” Arteta said.
“It’s football and once we are there we just have to live the moment.”
Elsewhere, Liverpool will bid an emotional farewell to manager Jurgen Klopp in his final game, as they take on Wolves at home.
Meanwhile, Manchester United face the prospect of missing out on European football altogether. Erik ten Hag’s side visit Brighton and must do better than Newcastle’s result at Brentford. Newcastle are in seventh, the last European spot, two points ahead of United, and carrying the advantage of a much superior goal difference as well.