City were fifth going into our last match at Everton on Wednesday but we could potentially move into second place, two points behind leaders Liverpool with a win against Sheffield United.
While the Blades sit bottom of the table, a 2-1 win in August was only secured by an 88th minute winner from Rodrigo and the City boss is expecting another tough test from Chris Wilder’s side at the Etihad on Saturday at 15:00 (UK).
“The [middle and] lower teams at the bottom are getting results as well,” Guardiola said.
“Maybe last season it didn’t happen much but it’s common. All of us are struggling to get results in a comfortable way.
“It shows how tough it is, be patient. It’s never over. Go game-by-game.”
CITY V SHEFFIELD UNITED | MATCH PREVIEW
Ahead of winning the FIFA World Cup before Christmas, City had a tough run in the Premier League with late goals seeing us win just one in six games.
Guardiola was happy with the way his side was playing in each game other than the defeat at Aston Villa, and says people are too quick to draw conclusions on the back of results.
“When we lose a game we are out of the title race and when we win a game we are there,” he added. “It’s the same for our contenders.
“It’s a question of staying calm. What we have seen so far this year anything can happen. Many results you can’t expect.
“The last game of the [year] we have. In January, which is more relaxed with days off.
“A team against Wilder, we have had problems with them in the past and we won with a little margin.
“They were close to win the Villa game. It will be so tough like the Crystal Palace game. Long balls to [Ollie] McBurnie and the others. The last games at home we couldn’t get the victories. We have to try to be focused on what we need to do.”
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City are aiming for a record four successive Premier League titles but it could potentially be an exciting title race with just six points covering the top five.
But with the season only halfway through, Guardiola is expecting plenty more twists and turns between now and the end of the season in May.
“We are used to it in the last few seasons and it’s not different now,” he added. “Be calm inside, analyse the team and keep going.
“The Premier League is so long, it never ends, and many things, Man City included, many things are going to happen.”
