'/%3e%3cdefs%3e%3clinearGradient%20id='prefix__paint0_linear_4737_37157'%20x1='3.018'%20y1='23.6'%20x2='44.925'%20y2='24.977'%20gradientUnits='userSpaceOnUse'%3e%3cstop%20stop-color='%231CB7FF'/%3e%3cstop%20offset='.502'%20stop-color='%232FF58B'/%3e%3c/linearGradient%3e%3c/defs%3e%3c/svg%3e)
Pep Guardiola makes honest title admission as Man City deal Arsenal fresh blow
Feb 22 2026 00:10 · By Daniel Orme/Football Writer · 116 Reads
View 2 Images
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has pointed a lack of title-winning experience in his squad despite his side cutting the gap to Arsenal to just two points at the top of the table. Nico O'Reilly's brace saw City beat Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.
And following Arsenal's disappointing draw with rock-bottom Wolverhampton Wanderers , it leaves City firmly on their coattails. Mikel Arteta 's side have a chance to extend that lead once more in Sunday's North London Derby clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite City now being in a strong position, Guardiola has suggested that there is still inexperience in his squad when it comes to lifting the title.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "Massive [win]. Newcastle is an incredible team. Awesome team. Physicality and the speed they have up front. Really tough but the team was unbelievable."
MAKE THE MIRROR YOUR FIRST CHOICE! Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
“Seventy per cent of the players never played in that situation and I don't play. We have to live it. They know - we know - that until the end of the season every game will be like this.
"Especially at home with five games at home. Today we had the best crowd of the year. It was unbelievable our people. I am really proud to be manager of these incredible fans. Now it is rest for three days and prepare for Leeds."
City's hero on the night O'Reilly also gave his verdict on the run in for the title. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "It's a dream of mine to win something like this. There's still a lot of games to go. We need to take each game as it comes. I'm enjoying every moment and taking it all in.
View 2 Images
FOLLOW OUR MAN CITY FB PAGE! Follow our Manchester City Mirror Football Facebook page
"Definitely [City can win the title]. We always believe we can win games. We had a week break, so we were able to prepare for this game very well. We just need to keep going."
City are back in action next weekend as they travel to Leeds. Following Sunday's North London Derby, Arsenal will then turn their attention to what could be another decisive showdown with Chelsea next weekend.
Content cannot be displayed without consent