Pep Guardiola admits title is ‘in our hands’ but Man City ‘have to use it’ after their dominant display against Arsenal

• Man City beat Arsenal 4-1
• Gap at the top cut down to two points
• Guardiola exercises caution before the final stretch

WHAT HAPPENED? Guardiola's troops demolished Arsenal courtesy of a brace from Kevin De Bruyne and goals from John Stones and Erling Haalnd, to cut down the gap to two points at the top of the league table with two games in hand.

City have their fortunes firmly in their control before the final stretch of the season and if they manage to win their seven remaining games they will be crowned champions. However, Guardiola believes that the title race is far from over but "prefers" that the situation as it is in "their hands".

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WHAT THEY SAID: "It was an important game, not decisive but important. We played very good. I know the opponent we played. They’re still top, I know it sounds naive what I’m saying but we are still behind. We are still there. Absolutely (I prefer) my position because now it’s in our hands.

“I would love that these two games are six points but you have to win them, but I prefer it because it depends on us. Until today, I prefer the position in the Premier League of Arsenal because if Arsenal had beaten us it’s in their hands. But now it is in our hands," he told BBC Sport after the match.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: If City manage to retain the title then it will be Guardiola's fifth league triumph in charge at the Etihad Stadium. The manager has urged his players to keep their focus at the business end of the season as the job is not yet done but praised their mentality for coming out on top in a crucial encounter.

"We cannot lose our focus. Now it's in our hands. These next three games will dictate if we can do what we want to do. The reality is we're still behind Arsenal. It will not be easy for us, but it is game by game and we see what happens. When it's in our hands, we have to use it," he continued.

"The players know it is necessary to say it is close and we need to win to stay in contention. That mentality where you have no option but to win is the best mentality to play. The players have shown they go into every match trying to win."

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? Manchester City will get back to action against Fulham on Sunday afternoon.