Pep Dismisses Title Race Questions Despite Closing in on Arsenal, Explains Haaland Substitution

Pep Guardiola sidestepped questions about Manchester City's championship chances, despite now trailing Arsenal by just 3 points after a comprehensive 3-0 win against Fulham in the Premier League on February 11th. The victory lifted City to 53 points from 26 matches, closing the gap on league leaders Arsenal. After the match, Guardiola focused on team development instead of title talk, stating, 'I always say the main goal is development, development, and continued development. We must become more consistent throughout 90 minutes.' The 55-year-old coach also explained Erling Haaland's half-time substitution, saying, 'He has a minor injury, felt uncomfortable. The reason is playing many games. I didn't speak with the doctor, he just felt tired. We have many matches.'