Pep Guardiola urged on West Ham against Arsenal following Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Brentford on Saturday, keeping the pressure on the Premier League leaders. Goals from Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland, and Omar Marmoush secured the win, leaving City just two points behind Arsenal. Guardiola wrapped up his post-match press conference by making a crossed-arms gesture and saying 'Come on you Irons' ahead of Arsenal's trip to the London Stadium.
City's Victory and Guardiola's Comments
City had looked nervy against a Brentford side chasing European dreams, but after Doku curled in a fine opener on the hour mark, City stepped up as Haaland bundled in a second and set up Marmoush for a late third. Although City are no longer in control of their destiny after Monday's 3-3 draw at Everton, Guardiola is relishing the title race. 'I love to be here again,' he said. 'We finish second again this season minimum so I love it. I didn't enjoy last season and that moment when we were fighting to qualify for the Champions League was so difficult. But the Carabao Cup is in our pocket and the FA Cup Final at Wembley is the most beautiful day of the season and I love it.'
Southampton and Middlesbrough Play-Off Stalemate
Southampton parked the 'spygate' controversy and survived an early onslaught from aggrieved Middlesbrough as the first leg of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final ended 0-0. The clash had been preceded by accusations that Southampton spied on Boro's training, leading to an EFL charge. Southampton boss Tonda Eckert walked out of a tetchy post-match press conference after repeatedly sidestepping questions about the incident. 'It's sad that your first 10 questions are about that when you witness that first off from a team in the Championship, but I understand,' he said.
Liverpool's Frustrating Draw
Liverpool drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Anfield, a result greeted by boos from the home crowd. Ryan Gravenberch and Enzo Fernandez exchanged goals, leaving Liverpool's Champions League qualification hopes in doubt. Head coach Arne Slot said he is '100 per cent convinced' Liverpool will be a different team next season. 'Not this season, by the way,' the Dutchman said. 'This season they will have their opinion and it will not change but if we can have the summer that we are planning to have I am 100 per cent convinced we will be a different team next season than we are now.'
Hearts Extend Lead in Scotland
Hearts dropped points but ensured they go into their penultimate match with at least a one-point lead at the top of the William Hill Premiership after a 1-1 draw with Motherwell. Lawrence Shankland's 19th goal of the season cancelled out Stephen Kingsley's own goal. Hearts are four points clear of Celtic, who can reduce the deficit to one point if they beat Rangers on Sunday. Hearts boss Derek McInnes criticised referee Steven McLean, saying: 'I thought the referee had a poor night. We're all guilty of having poor nights but I didn't think he'd settled the whole game.'
What's on Today
Arsenal continue their pursuit of a first title since 2004 when they face West Ham, who are looking to climb out of the relegation zone. Celtic meet Rangers in a huge clash at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with a win taking Celtic to within a point of leaders Hearts. The League Two play-off first legs get underway on Sunday.
