Manager Josep Guardiola says the Premier League title race will be “over” if Manchester City drop a point against West Ham on Saturday.
Hours after the home game between Arsenal and Everton, City visit the relegation-threatened Hammers, live on Sky Sports.
A win against David Moyes’ side would give the Gunners a 10-point lead for at least a few hours, and Guardiola said his team had no margin for error after losing 3-0 to Real Madrid in the Champions League in midweek.
“West Ham now define the Premier League,” Guardiola said. “League is the most difficult title, I believe it is the most difficult title.
“Right now, I’m going there knowing that if I drop a point, it’s over.”
City drew 2-2 at home to Nottingham Forest last time out in the Premier League, dropping points as they battle West Ham to avoid relegation this season.
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Highlights of the Premier League match between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest
“I have always said that going into the last 10 games, every team is playing for something,” Guardiola said. “Relegation, Europa League, Conference League, Champions League and to become champions.
“I’m happy to be here. I couldn’t come here (to compete for the title) last season.
“That’s the norm every game. There are no second chances.”
“We have a game tomorrow night and it’s an important game for the Premier League standings,” Guardiola added, as his side bounced back from Wednesday’s disappointing first-leg defeat to Real in the last 16.
“Then it’s the second match.”
Pep defends Real Madrid’s team selection
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Guardiola defends his team selection after defeat against Real Madrid
The loss to Real meant the City manager faced criticism for his attacking line and tactics at the Bernabéu, giving his side a mountain to climb against the Etihad on Tuesday.
“How many times have I said that Pep is a genius?” Guardiola said at his pre-match press conference when asked about his team selection.
“As I said after the press conference in Madrid, there are logical reasons (for the team selection): the momentum of the players and many things.
“Listen, I played without Fernandinho as a holding midfielder in the Champions League final against Chelsea. Do you think that’s normal? No, to be honest, I played with (Ilkay) Gundogan at that moment.
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Speaking on the Premier League show, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson gave his thoughts on Manchester City facing West Ham in the Premier League, Real Madrid in the Champions League and Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final over the next seven days.
“I was devastated. They made the right decision, but at that moment I knew how he and Fernandinho were playing.
“You can explain it, but can you convince yourself of it next time? If you win, you’re a genius. How many times have you said, ‘Pep is a genius when it comes to team selection?'” Don’t waste time.
“My players have been exceptional, exceptional in many ways. You can say whatever you want. When the selection is made, I will convince you. I want to rotate the team and we want to be a good team.”
“After 10 years, I still can’t convince any of you. Why? Because we lost. That’s it. We knew it would be good if we won, and we had to work the best we could. So if we lost, it would be bad.”
