Pep Guardiola expecting twists in Premier League title race between Manchester City and Arsenal

Pep Guardiola expects “many things will happen” between now and the end of the Premier League season – and has “no complaints” over how Manchester City are playing.

City looked to have struck an important blow in the title race earlier this month when they beat Arsenal to move level on points with them at the top of the table.

However, the following game City drew with Nottingham Forest and they are now two points behind the Gunners having played a game more.

Ahead of facing Bristol City in the fifth round of the FA Cup, City manager Guardiola said: “We are in three competitions. Tomorrow and in the Champions League you have no chance when you lose.

“In the Premier League we are close and the last 10 games will define the season.

“I have the feeling in the Premier League many things will happen – teams will drop points. But we can’t drop many if we want to be there.”

City have dropped points on three occasions in 2023, losing to Manchester United and Tottenham before drawing with Forest.

They have also drawn with RB Leipzig in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.

“After Nottingham Forest, we were not consistent, now we are because we won one game,” said Guardiola.

“The way we are playing is good, results could be better. Sometimes it happens in football. Results are not exceptional but it’s OK.

“I have no complaints about how we are playing and how we are fighting. The mood in the locker room is exceptional and the guys are doing everything – that is enough for me.”

Bristol City are unbeaten in all competitions since the last week of December and Guardiola expects a tough test.

“Last 12 games, no defeats. This means they are there,” he said.

“My scouts said they are a good team, a manager with experience [Nigel Pearson] who did well at Leicester City. It’s a final, FA Cup is an important competition. A serious team will play tomorrow.

“My experience in this country, when you go away in FA Cup against a Championship team is always tough. At home it would be different but away is always tough.”

Guardiola confirmed Kevin De Bruyne is still suffering from “a little bit of illness” after missing the trip to Bournemouth while he will also make a late call on whether defenders John Stones and Aymeric Laporte feature.