Despite a crucial clash with Newcastle and Haaland’s historic milestone, the City boss insists the “real season” is only just beginning.
Manchester City can close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal to just one point with a victory at Newcastle on Saturday, but manager Pep Guardiola is adamant it is too early to label the campaign a title race.
With Arsenal not playing until Sunday, City have a chance to apply pressure from second place. They travel to St. James’ Park with a formidable record, having won 28 of their last 35 league meetings with the Magpies. The team is riding high after a commanding 3-0 win over Liverpool before the international break, a result that firmly established them as Arsenal’s chief rivals.
However, Guardiola immediately tempered expectations. “We are in November, and in November in this league nothing is final,” the City boss cautioned. “What happens in February or March, be careful. The real season starts now… It is important to be there and to arrive at the end of the season with a chance to fight.”
The match also sets the stage for a historic moment for Erling Haaland. The striker is on the verge of his 100th Premier League goal and could break Alan Shearer’s record for the fastest to reach the century, achieving the feat on the very pitch where Shearer became a legend. Guardiola heaped praise on his star, expressing his delight that Haaland’s recent four-goal international haul helped fire Norway to their first World Cup since 1998.
City will, however, be without the influential Rodri, as the Spanish midfielder continues his careful recovery from a recent injury setback.
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