Manchester City need ‘miracle’ to pip Arsenal to Premier League title after West Ham United draw - but Pep Guardiola insists it’s ‘not over’

Manchester City dropped two more points on Saturday, when they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United. Bernardo Silva's stunning goal was cancelled out by a strike from Konstantinos Mavropanos, and TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole has given his view on their Premier League title hopes, with the result leaving Pep Guardiola's side nine points behind leaders Arsenal.

Manchester City now need a "miracle" to win the Premier League, according to Joe Cole.

Pep Guardiola’s side dropped two more points in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against West Ham United.

Bernardo Silva’s stunning goal at the London Stadium was cancelled out by a strike from Konstantinos Mavropanos, and they could not retake the lead against Nuno Espirito Santo’s determined side, who climbed out of the relegation zone at the final whistle.

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The result left second-placed City nine points behind league leaders Arsenal, though they have a game in hand over Mikel Arteta's team.

TNT Sports pundit Joe Cole was asked after the game if he thought that their title challenge was now over - and he gave a blunt assessment.

"It’ll be a miracle [if City win the title]," said Cole, who also gave his view on whether Silva meant his goal.

Highlights: Man City fall further behind in title race as West Ham battle to vital point

Video credit: TNT Sports

"They’re still a top, top side, but Arsenal, I can’t see dropping that many points, especially with the draw in the Champions League [against Bayer Leverkusen].

"I know it’s a different competition, them games aren’t going to be as mentally draining. I think they’ve got a lovely route to the final, so I think it’s in Arsenal’s hands."

Guardiola: It's not over until it's over

Guardiola, whose side were beaten 3-0 by Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night, had suggested before the game that City's title challenge would be over if his team dropped points against West Ham.

Asked about those comments, he told TNT Sports: "Who said? It's not over. We didn't lose. It's not over. We will continue.

"We have an incredible team, spirit. We had an incredible amount of effort in Madrid, and how we played first half. More shape and we put energy in the second half with incredibly talented players. The last two games, we played much, much better.

'It's not over' - Guardiola remains defiant in title fight after West Ham draw

Video credit: TNT Sports

"We are an incredible team. We play so good. The guys go and go until we can't continue. We didn't score enough goals when we had the quality to score. They punished us.

"Now we will rest and prepare for Madrid, and give everything. These guys deserve it. Nine points is a lot against Arsenal, but it happened.

"We have the game at home, so we have to try until the end. When it is not possible, then we congratulate the champion, but we have to try."

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Guardiola watched the game from the stands because he had to serve the first match of a two-game touchline ban, having been shown a sixth yellow card of the season in an FA Cup defeat to Newcastle United.

"It was perfect," said Guardiola. "I love to be there [in the stands].

Watch as Silva scores 'astonishing' chip - but did he mean it?

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I will complain more to the referees to get more yellow cards. I will try it again. It was different, more relaxed. We spoke during half-time, and in the second half, to try and put creative players in position."

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