Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called on his players to “never give up” as they moved to within two points of league leaders Arsenal after defeating Newcastle 2-1.
Two goals from Nico O’Reilly either side of Newcastle’s equaliser through Lewis Hall secured City a hard-fought victory, as the away side pushed for a second leveller late on.
The win moves Guardiola’s side to just two points behind league leaders Arsenal, who face Tottenham in the North London Derby on Sunday.
Since losing to Manchester United in the Manchester derby in mid January, City have won five consecutive league matches and have significantly reduced the gap at the top. With a plethora of players joining in the last year, who have yet to experience a title fight, Guardiola has called on his players to do even better.
“We have a lot of new players, that’s why they have to live it,” Guardiola said. “I’ve said, forget about it. We have to improve, it’s not enough. To compete to win the Premier League you have to be there.
“We proved ourselves to win the three points but we have to do better to have the chance to do it.
“I say to the guys, ‘take a lot of caipirinhas and daiquiris in these three days, enjoy life’. And after that, make a proper three training sessions and go to Leeds.
“That is a proper way. I know how difficult it will be. If it doesn’t go well, we keep going, never give up. Ten or 11 games is a lot in the Premier League.”