Following the Etihad stalemate – our first Premier League goalless draw since a March 2022 stalemate away at Crystal Palace – Liverpool emerged as the new leaders following their earlier 2-1 win at home to Brighton.
The Anfield side now have 67 points with second-placed Arsenal on 65 and City third on 64 with all three title contenders having played 29 games.
However, reflecting on what was a hard-fought Etihad encounter with the Gunners, Pep declared he was more than happy with his players with City also still in the hunt for the Champions League and FA Cup.
“Arsenal is an exceptional team, well managed and the players are good [but] my point of view still we are the team,” the City boss declared.
“Many things we can be better, but I am satisfied. I said to the team, don’t be sad. I know my players, how they behave, and they tried it. I give credit to Arsenal.
“We will not be here at semi-final of FA Cup, quarter-final of Champions League and fighting for Premier League title [if we are not the team].
“We want to win but we are there. It was a battle. It was a tight game [but] I see the way they train.
“[Are Liverpool now favourites?] Yes. Always who is first is favourite. Second favourite is Arsenal. Third we are. It’s not in our hands.
“All we can do against Aston Villa is try to win the game.
“When we were top we were favourites because it was in our hands but now it is not.”
Play the video to watch Pep’s post-match press conference in full…
