“We have to win” – Guardiola rallies his Man City side ahead of tricky Bournemouth clash | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola has made it clear that nothing matters more right now than beating Bournemouth as Manchester City continue their push for another Premier League title.

Man City travel to the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday knowing there is no room for mistakes.

A win is needed to keep pressure on Arsenal before the final day of the season, when Man City will host Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium.

Despite the importance of the occasion, the Man City manager know the challenge ahead will not be easy, especially against one of the toughest teams in the league this season.

The Cherries are on a 17-match unbeaten run, the longest active streak in the Premier League, and that remarkable run has turned them into serious contenders for a Champions League place.

Speaking ahead of the match, Guardiola admitted Bournemouth are fully deserving of the praise they have received.

However, he has also rallied his Man City side to end that unbeaten streak and keep their hopes of reclaiming the Premier League title alive.

“17 games unbeaten,” Guardiola said during his pre-match press conference.

“The run is unbelievable. What they have done with losing three players in the back four from last season that had success, and then going 17 games unbeaten, is unbelievable.

“The only chance we have is to win, so we have to break that run otherwise it will be over.”

Guardiola also pointed to past meetings between the two sides as proof that Bournemouth are capable of causing Man City plenty of problems.

However, the Citzyens still have the upper hand in the head-to-head records.

Bournemouth’s 2-1 win over Man City in November 2024 ended their 14-match losing streak against the Cityzens. But Man City have since bounced back with back-to-back wins against the Cherries.

Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Burnley piles the pressure on Man City ahead of Tuesday’s must-win showdown. Anything other than a win for Man City will confirm Arsenal as Premier League champions.