Manchester City’s successful achievement of the historic treble has had a significant impact on all individuals associated with the club, including Pep Guardiola himself.
Pep’s acknowledgement of his team’s being overpowered by the remarkable achievement is evidence that Arsenal has the potential to seize the limelight and capitalize on City’s vulnerabilities to clinch the league title this season.
In order to regain momentum and rectify their recent setbacks against Wolves and Arsenal, City secured a hard-fought victory over Brighton in the Premier League.
However, despite this triumph, the reigning champions did not display their usual fluidity against Roberto De Zerbi’s spirited team. Guardiola openly acknowledged that City is still experiencing the lingering effects of their remarkable accomplishments from the previous season.
“The Treble had an influence on all of us, me included,” said Guardiola. “So we need to be there, arriving in the final moments at the end of the season, being close to the opponents and trying to do it again.
“I said many times that no one has won four Premier League titles in a row, never ever, so that shows how difficult it is. But now it’s important to be there, especially in the Champions League, qualify for the next round.
“In this period now we have two games against Young Boys and after the second game against them at home, we can be there. After that, we can just focus on the Premier League, Premier League, Premier League. That’s the target. That’s why today was really important.”
City made a strong start, with goals from Julian Alvarez and Erling Haaland giving them a 2-0 lead after 19 minutes. However, Brighton managed to find a way back into the game through substitute Ansu Fati in the 73rd minute.
This made for a tense finish for City, but they were able to hold on for the win. Unfortunately, Manuel Akanji received a second yellow card in added time, resulting in his suspension for the upcoming derby against Manchester United this weekend. Haaland’s goal put an end to his recent goal drought, highlighting the high standards he has set for himself after scoring an impressive 52 goals in his debut season.
“The expectations are so high, but he handled it really well,” said Guardiola. “He knows he could have scored more goals in that group stage and in the nine Premier League games.”
Guardiola sprung a surprise in goal, preferring back-up keeper Stefan Ortega to first-choice Ederson, the City boss explaining the reasoning behind his selection decision.
“It was just for the fact that the travel from Ede [Ederson], back from Brazil, is a long time,” said Guardiola. “Of course, it happened many times before, but he played two games there and the first day he arrived back he was so tired.
