Pep Guardiola urged Manchester City to maintain their focus in the wake of a potentially pivotal victory over Arsenal, as his side prepares for a hectic week that they may need to tackle without Rodri. City seized the initiative in the Premier League title race as Erling Haalands second-half strike secured a 2-1 win against leaders Arsenal, the Norwegians winner coming after Rayan Cherki had seen a brilliant opener cancelled out by Kai Havertz, who pounced on ponderous play by Gianluigi Donnarumma to level.The result leaves City three points behind Arsenal with a game in hand. While Arsenal still have a one-goal advantage in terms of goal difference, City will go top with a win at Burnley on Wednesday.Guardiola: Manchester City have hopeCitys trip to Turf Moor precedes an FA Cup semi-final with Southampton on Saturday. Though City are the heavy favourites for both those games and have the chance to take control of the title race, Guardiola offered a more reserved perspective on where a seemingly seismic result leaves his team.He told his post-match press conference: It gives us hope, I said to the guys: Enjoy the moment but dont lose focus right now as we have three or four long weeks left.People say we have momentum but when you see them [Arsenal] compete they are an extraordinary team, otherwise you cannot be all season top of the Premier League and unbeaten in the Champions League.I know how difficult it is to beat them once, imagine twice. They stepped a little bit higher in the Carabao Cup final [which City won]. Who is top of the league? We are not. In goal difference, they are better. But of course, we have hopes and still extend the chance to fight until the end.City may have to make changes in midfield for the game with a Burnley side that could be all but relegated by the time Wednesdays game kicks off, with the influential Rodri nursing an issue after featuring for 88 minutes against Arsenal.I dont know how long Rodri will be out, Guardiola said of the 29-year-old.[Its the] groin I think the doctor said but we will see. We will make a test tonight or tomorrow. Topics Manchester City F.C. Premier League Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read I won the battle Erling Haaland claims victory over Gabriel and Arsenal Mitch Fretton 19th April, 2026 Manchester City 2-1 Arsenal: Report, result and goals as Haaland dagger dents Gunners title hopes Mitch Fretton 19th April, 2026 WATCH: Donnarumma mistake hands Arsenal lifeline in Premier League title showdown Mitch Fretton 19th April, 2026 LIVE Manchester City v Arsenal: Commentary, updates, goals and stats for crunch title encounter Jon Fisher 17th April, 2026 Man City v Arsenal: Teams confirmed for huge Premier League title clash Tom Rostance 19th April, 2026 Chelsea 0-1 Manchester United: Cunha strike gives Red Devils all three points at Stamford Bridge 101 GreatGoals 18th April, 2026
