Pep Guardiola wants Premier League leaders Manchester City ready to 'play four finals in a row' after Erling Haaland sends them above Arsenal

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Manchester City manager praised his team's performance during a 1-0 win over Burnley which sent them top of the Premier League - and told his players to prepare for "four finals in a row" in the run-in.

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The win at Turf Moor was enough to move them first above Arsenal courtesy of a better goals scored record, though they are level on points, and goal difference, with their title rivals.

This could be the first season where the title’s ultimate destination is decided either by goal difference or goals scored, with both sides still able to finish on the same number of points once 38 games have been played in the campaign.

Erling Haaland scored for City after just five minutes, but despite a string of chances, the away side were unable to add to their tally. On the sidelines, Guardiola appeared to cut a frustrated figure as he looked for his team to make the win certain.

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It led to some nervy moments in the match, but, ultimately, they were able to hang on and take all three points to send them top of the league.

After some early struggles in the season, City had appeared to cede the title to Arsenal, but the Londoners’ recent struggles allowed Guardiola’s men back into the title conversation, and now they appear to be in control of the title race at long last.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he was content with the performance - despite the lack of goals.

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He said: "The chances were there. We created a lot. We did everything after a demanding game three days ago. It was demanding, it was not easy. We played a good game where we missed some goals.

"I wasn't frustrated. Why would I be? We won three points, we are top of the league. Of course, we can do better, but the guys did everything."

City were coming off the back of a vital win against Arsenal, and were not at those peaks at Turf Moor, according to some observers.

Guardiola argued that both showings had their merits.

"I disagree," he began. "We made a better performance in terms of chances than on Sunday. Arsenal are extraordinary, but the performance itself was really good."

City next play on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and HBO Max, in their FA Cup tie against Championship side Southampton.

With five games in the league to come afterwards, Guardiola said he was expecting a string of high-pressure matches that had to be treated as finals.

He explained: "Five games, it's the Premier League. Five games, and now we have a semi-final on Saturday. Then we try to prepare the next games.

"It's a big opportunity to play four finals in a row. Maybe we have to make some changes. At the end, we were a little bit tired, but we are ready."

City's next match in the Premier League is scheduled for Monday, May 4, when they travel to Everton.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

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