Pep Guardiola concedes defeat in title race: It's between Chelsea and Spurs - 7M sport

Pep Guardiola concedes defeat in title race: It's between Chelsea and Spurs

PEP GUARDIOLA admitted Manchester City’s title hopes are over after their defeat by Chelsea – whose striker Diego Costa could face a ban after a bust-up with Vincent Kompany.


Posted Thursday, April 06, 2017 by Dailystar.co.uk

Two first-half goals from Eden Hazard sandwiched an equaliser form Sergio Aguero to leave City 14 points adrift of Chelsea who inflicted the first double defeat on Guardiola in his managerial career following their 3-1 win at the Etihad in December.

"Today the Premier League has gone,” he said. “It’s between Chelsea and Tottenham now. Now we have to think about qualifying for the Champions League and finishing in the top four.

"Were we the better side? Absolutely. But they got six points against us [over the two games], and we got zero. And football is about results. But the way we played, I was happier today with the way we played at Arsenal on Sunday - and we got a point less.

Pep Guardiola concedes defeat in title race: It's between Chelsea and Spurs
Antonio Conte's side made a huge march to the Premier League title

Pep Guardiola concedes defeat in title race: It's between Chelsea and Spurs
Chelsea are seven points clear of Tottenham with just eight games remaining

"We created enough more than Chelsea - to win the game. It’s an honour to have the amazing players I have. We came here to Stamford Bridge and play the way we have, with huge personality. I’m a lucky guy to manage these guys.

"It’s encouraging for the future. I’m optimistic. It’s been like this all season but in the boxes we are not good enough. We created enough to score goals. It’s our problem. But my players play in one way and that’s why I want to be here - to help Man City for years. 

"The people who are watching us must be proud of our fans. We did everything.”

Pep Guardiola concedes defeat in title race: It's between Chelsea and Spurs
Sergio Aguero scored once but couldn't get Man City back in the game

Costa faces a three-game ban for kicking out at Kompany, but manager Antonio Conte was nevertheless satisfied to tick off another game as Chelsea’s remorseless march continued - they stay seven points clear of nearest rivals Spurs with only eight games left.

Conte said: “It was another step - a big step - against a great team. They have a lot of qualities.

"I think we showed to be a great team, to win a difficult game after a defeat against Crystal Palace. It wasn’t easy to reply very well in this way. I’m satisfied for this but we have to continue this way.

"We must think that Tottenham could win all their games. We need 18 points to win the title. I think we are playing a great season but to win the title there is a long way to go.”



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