“Man City in thrilling race: Title in sight after victory over Burnley.”

Manchester City suffered more than expected to secure a crucial victory that keeps the race for the Premier League title hotter than ever. Young defender Marc Guehi, a key player for the team, had no doubts in stating that underestimating the difficulty of beating City is to ignore the true essence of football.

Just 10 minutes in, the Citizens’ early dominance seemed to indicate a smooth night, with Erling Haaland opening the scoring with a masterful touch. However, the celebration among the visiting fans gave way to a tense and challenging match, with Burnley fiercely resisting, pressing, and creating several opportunities until the final whistle. Pep Guardiola’s team ultimately won 1-0, but the result did not reflect the intense struggle that unfolded on the pitch.

Guehi did not hesitate to send a clear message: “If you think the title race is easy for Manchester City, it’s because you don’t know football.” The defender highlighted the importance of concentration and commitment, especially against opponents who are desperately fighting for survival in the Premier League. “We played against a team that was fighting for their lives; it wasn’t easy. Those who thought it would be, clearly don’t understand the game,” he emphasized.

The young international, a key player in defense, formed a solid partnership with Abdukodir Khusanov in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recorded his 13th clean sheet in the competition. “Khusa is fast, intelligent, and it’s a pleasure to play alongside him. I learn a lot from all my teammates, whether in training or in games,” Guehi added, underscoring the importance of maintaining defensive solidity until the end of the season, where every goal and every point can make a difference.

The victory in Burnley comes in a sequence of four consecutive wins across all competitions, including a win in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal, a historic 4-0 over Liverpool in the FA Cup, and recent victories in the league against Chelsea and the Gunners. Despite injuries and accumulated fatigue, Guardiola has maintained his core group of players, although some rotation is expected in the upcoming FA Cup semifinal against Southampton.

The title race is intense: City leads only on goal difference, with Arsenal and Liverpool hot on their heels. The pressure is immense, and the margin for error decreases with each game. The possibility of a second domestic treble looms, but Guehi keeps his feet firmly on the ground: “We are focused on one game at a time, nothing more.”

This hard-fought but vital triumph shows that the journey to glory is still far from a stroll for Manchester City. The final battle promises to be epic, and any underestimation could be costly. Marc Guehi and the Citizens know that football is a game of details and that the real war is just beginning.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.