Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola confirmed after Saturday’s 3‑0 victory over Brentford that the lowest league position his side can accept this season is second place. Speaking to reporters at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola said the club will aim to finish at least as runners‑up in the Premier League.
City’s win, their fourth consecutive league triumph, saw goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush. The result moved Manchester City to 61 points, just two points behind leaders Arsenal, who sit on 63 points after 27 games.
When asked whether he was enjoying the current title race, Guardiola responded, “I love it. I love to be here again.” He added that the team will not settle for anything below second place and emphasized the positive atmosphere within the squad. “We’ll finish second this season minimum, I love it, I love to be here,” he said. “Tension? No, no, no. When you arrive and have the feeling that the job has been good, well done!”
Guardiola’s comments come at a crucial stage of the campaign, with both City and Arsenal set to play three more matches before the season concludes in May. The manager’s assurance that a second‑place finish is the minimum target reflects Manchester City’s ambition to challenge for the title despite the narrow points gap.
The win against Brentford also marked the first league appearance for Omar Marmoush, who scored his debut goal for the club. Jeremy Doku’s strike was his seventh of the season, while Haaland added his 19th league goal, maintaining his position among the competition’s top scorers.
Manchester City’s recent form has been strong, with the team unbeaten in their last ten Premier League fixtures. However, Arsenal’s recent resurgence under Mikel Arteta has narrowed the margin at the top, intensifying the competition for the championship.
Looking ahead, City will seek to maintain their momentum in the remaining fixtures, while Arsenal prepares to host Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium. The outcome of these matches will likely determine whether Guardiola’s side can close the gap and contest the title or settle for the runner‑up spot he has already indicated as the minimum acceptable finish.
