Manchester City vs Chelsea ‘is a final’ says Pep Guardiola as he celebrates replacing Liverpool at top of the Premier League

Manchester City vs Chelsea ‘is a final’ says Pep Guardiola as he celebrates replacing Liverpool at top of the Premier League
Pep Guardiola says Manchester City’s Premier League game against Chelsea is a cup final.City’s manager was buzzing having watched his sideusurp Liverpool at the top of the Premier League for the first time in two months with a 2-0 win against Everton.Goals from Aymeric Laporte and Gabriel Jesus earned them all three points, meaning they are above their title rivals on goal difference, having played one match more.2

Jesus’ goal sealed City’s win against Everton

Five weeks ago City beat Liverpool 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium to avoid falling ten points behind and the pressure is back on Jurgen Klopp’s side, who play Bournemouth on Saturday, 24 hours before City host Chelsea.“It’s a question for [Liverpool]. We are leaders. Twelve games to play, a lot of points,” said Guardiola when asked what his side going top of the table meant.“Now comes a big test, a big goal. Chelsea are an exceptional team who have had seven days to prepare.“We have to prepare well. It really is a final for us this weekend. If we are able to take these points, it is a huge step forward.” Guardiola praised his side for their persistence in never giving up when their title dream looked over at the start of January.“The reality is we could have been, one month ago, 10 points behind when we played Liverpool,” he added.“A few days ago we could have been seven points behind. Now we are top of the league.“The lesson is never give up. That is the best advice. That is a lesson for all athletes. Try to win the games, because life can change immediately.”2

Pep Guardiola celebrates City’s win against Everton that saw them climb above Liverpool

City were far from their fluent best at Goodison Park, where they found Everton’s 4-4-1-1 system tough to break down.However, they found a way to win – helped by the Toffees conceding their 17th goal from a set-piece (excluding penalties) – and Guardiola had nothing but praise.“Always the application is there,” he added. “The performance is not as good as we expect. Goodison Park is always difficult for Manchester City in the last decade.“We made a good first half. We didn’t concede one shot on target here at Goodison Park, which is not normal.”

---

Championship round-up: Norwich back on top with Bolton win, Sheffield United thrash Reading, West Brom beat Aston Villa. after crushing Bolton 4-0 while Sheffield United climbed to second
Championship round-up: Norwich back on top with Bolton win

---

Tottenham still have work to do in the race to finish in the Premier League's top four this term after their nine men lost 1-0 late on at Bournemouth. Spurs would have secured Champions League
Nine-man Tottenham slip to last-minute Bournemouth defeat

---

Tottenham player ratings: Vertonghen, Foyth and Son on fire on magical European night. Here's how we rated the Tottenham players during their 3-0 win against Borussia Dortmund
Crystal Palace player ratings vs Spurs: Kouyate, Ward and

---

'My dream is to play in the English Premier League': Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos reveals ambition to test himself south of the border. Alfredo Morelos has put suitors on alert by revealing
Rangers transfer news: Steven Gerrard expecting bids for

---

Seat cushions from a missing plane believed to be carrying Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala were found washed up on a beach in France on Monday.. Investigators from the Air Accidents
Emiliano Sala: Cushions 'from missing plane' found - SportsAlert

---

However, as has been well documented, their squad is perhaps is lacking that real depth to compete in the four competitions that they remain in. With injuries, players sold and international duty, this might be the time for Spurs fans to worry. Why Tottenham Hotspur Fans Should Be Worried Moussa Dembele's Move to China
1 Realistic Move Each Premier League Side Should Make in

---

Arsenal transfer news Sampdoria star drops hint about his future amid Arsenal links - and it's bad news for Unai Emery The Gunners have been linked with a summer move for the Sampdoria defender Salomon Rondon West Ham still keen to sign Salomon Rondon for £16.5m ahead of Newcastle West Ham transfer news includes the latest on the four-way

---

The current award was introduced in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, sponsored by Adidas and France Football, though fifa.com also lists in their player articles as "golden ball winners" Kempes, Cruyff, Pelé, Bobby Charlton, Garrincha and Didi for 1978, 1974, 1970, 1966, 1962 and 1958 respectively.
Buy Paul Pogba Merchandise | Only Official Goods
AD

---

Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League. It's the much awaited Manchester Derby on November 11th which will witness two teams with contrasting starts to the season square off.

---

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer told Ajax starlet Donny van de Beek wants Manchester United transfer. Donny van de Beek could find himself in demand this summer after an impressive season at Ajax.

---

Arsenal news: Mesut Ozil was taken off at half-time against Brighton (Pic: GETTY) Ozil was named in the starting XI for the second-successive Premier League game but found himself taken off after a disappointing performance in the opening 45 minutes. "It was tactical," Emery said. "It's the same every match.
Latest Arsenal transfer rumours - Fee revealed for Mislintat

---