Martin Keown has warned that news of Pep Guardiola’s impending departure could actually galvanise Manchester City in the title race.
During Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Burnley on Monday night, Daily Mail broke the news that Guardiola is set to step down following Sunday’s final day fixture against Aston Villa.
Fans were quick to celebrate, given how dominant the Etihad outfit have been under the Spaniard, but Keown believes the timing could actually work in City’s favour.
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“I think the timing of this coming out — we don’t know if it’s official — but it can only help their story now,” he said on Premier League Productions.
“It’s come so late. Normally it’s detrimental to a team when the manager says he’s going, but there’s something that this guy offers that other managers don’t.
“He’s a serial winner of trophies and on the way out he’ll want to take another one and cause a massive upset. Arsenal are now favourites to win this, but you can’t write City off.”
Arsenal fans shouldn’t panic about Pep Guardiola exit news
Of course, it’s not an unreasonable point from Martin Keown. Guardiola has won 20 trophies across a decade with City, and the prospect of signing off with a Premier League title, to add to the FA Cup and Carabao Cup triumphs, will surely add an extra layer of motivation for his players.
But ultimately, it doesn’t really matter what City do from here.
Arsenal are five points clear with one game to play. City must win both of their remaining fixtures to have any chance of winning it.
Mikel Arteta’s side, meanwhile, have not conceded in their last four league games and need just one more win to end a 22-year wait for a league title.
Guardiola’s farewell finish makes for a good narrative, but Arsenal have their own story to write.
They just have to go and finish it.
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