“Pressure on Arsenal, Guardiola delighted by Milner’s record”

The final whistle at the Etihad Stadium on Monday night sparked unrestrained jubilation from Pep Guardiola, whose elation said it all. The Manchester City manager hugged his coaching staff, punched the air several times, and wore a wide grin as though his side had not just secured three points against Newcastle United, but something far more significant.

Indeed, the victory was more than just three points—it narrowed the gap at the top of the English Premier League. After 25 matches, City had been trailing leaders Arsenal by six points. However, their 2-1 win over Newcastle, combined with Arsenal’s dropped points in a draw against bottom-side Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday, reduced the deficit to just two points. With this result, the title race remains very much in Guardiola’s hands.

City and Arsenal each have 11 matches remaining in the season, including the pivotal clash at the Etihad. Should City win all their remaining fixtures, including the showdown with Arsenal, they will claim the championship. Similarly, if Arsenal achieves a perfect record in their final 11 games, Mikel Arteta’s side will emerge as champions. Currently, after 27 matches, Arsenal sit atop the table with 58 points, while City are second with 56 points.

Guardiola also acknowledged how fortunate City were against Newcastle. A draw could have been on the cards had it not been for a spectacular 95th-minute save by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Earlier in the match, City’s left-back Nico O’Reilly netted twice in the first half (14’ and 27’), while Newcastle’s Luis Hall had briefly equalised in the 22nd minute.

The City boss was so pleased that he granted his squad three days off to “enjoy life,” jokingly urging them to indulge in “plenty of caipirinhas and daiquiris” before returning to face Leeds United on Saturday. Reflecting on the Newcastle triumph, Guardiola said:

“A massive win. Newcastle are an incredible team with pace and physicality up front, and strong in midfield. It was a tough match, but our team was remarkable. This is the level of fight we will need in all remaining 11 matches.”

Chelsea Draw Despite Early Lead

Meanwhile, Chelsea dropped points at Stamford Bridge, drawing 1-1 against Burnley despite taking the lead in the fourth minute through Havão Pedro. The Blues played much of the match with ten men after centre-back Wesley Fofana was sent off in the 72nd minute for a second yellow card. Chelsea have now accumulated six red cards this season, the highest of any Premier League club. Burnley equalised in the 93rd minute through Zian Fleming, leaving Chelsea fourth with 45 points from 27 games.

James Milner Breaks Premier League Appearance Record

On Monday night, James Milner etched his name into Premier League history during Brighton’s 2-0 victory over Brentford. At 40 years old, the full-back became the league’s most-capped player, coming on as a 90th-minute substitute to surpass Gareth Barry’s record of 653 appearances.

Milner has played for Leeds United, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Brighton, winning the Premier League three times—twice with City and once with Liverpool. Over 654 appearances, he has scored 56 league goals and contributed 90 assists, a testament to his enduring quality and versatility.

Milner’s milestone underscores a career defined by longevity, professionalism, and consistency—qualities that continue to inspire across the Premier League.