Manchester City’s experience does not matter in the title fight, argues Guardiola

Pep Guardiola insists that Manchester City’s expertise prospering under the strain of a title chase will not determine who wins the Premier League.

Guardiola’s side hopes to become the first team in history to win four straight English Premier League crowns, as well as their sixth trophy in seven seasons.

However, City will have to come from behind in the final nine games of the season after drawing 0-0 at home to Arsenal on Sunday, leaving them in third place.

The defending champions trail leaders Liverpool by three points, while City is one point behind Arsenal in second place.

The draw with Arsenal means City has yet to beat one of the Premier League’s top five in six efforts this season.

And Guardiola emphasised the importance of his team breaking that streak when fourth-placed Aston Villa visits the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

“We don’t have many chances to drop points, but there are nine games left,” Guardiola stated in his pre-match press conference.

“Our experience is over; it does not count. “What matters is Aston Villa.” City has gone unbeaten in 23 games, although their last defeat came away to Villa in December.

Guardiola described City’s 1-0 loss as their worst performance of the season, and he knows he must respond against a Villa club that has been changed in 18 months under Unai Emery.

“Aston Villa are playing to qualify for the Champions League and every team is playing for something, so the last games will be difficult to manage for all of us,” said Guardiola.

“The way they play is excellent. Unai Emery has been consistent in every season. Villa has been impressive. It’s not surprising given his ability, his management, and the team’s quality.”

John Stones could return to help City’s defensive injury concerns, but Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake, and custodian Ederson are still out.