‘We start to bring the hope for the last game’ – Guardiola after Man City close gap on Arsenal by beating Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Pep Guardiola says his Manchester City side have created more “hope for the last game” of the season after beating Crystal Palace.

City’s 3-0 victory means they sit two points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal with two games remaining – against Bournemouth and then Aston Villa.

“We know against Brentford and today, if we lose we have nothing to do, but we start to bring the hope for the last game against Aston Villa,” Guardiola said after his side’s win.

“But I would say, next is Bournemouth, look at what they are doing at home all season and after Aston Villa with Unai (Emery). They are not easy ones but just focus on that and we see what happens. Bournemouth then the last one.”

Guardiola opted to make six changes to his side for the crucial clash with Palace, with goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush and Savinho securing a comfortable win.

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“It’s not just the FA Cup final, after we have Bournemouth three days (later),” Guardiola said when asked about his decision to rotate ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final.

“Chelsea have been all week at home training, preparing for the final. We have to travel to London, they will be at home with their wives and kids, so that is fatigue.

“I have full confidence in all of the squad. I thought we needed energy. Savinho had an incredible game, the strikers Omar and Antoine as well. Overall it was really good against a team that always create problems. Three goals against Brentford, three goals here, I cannot ask for more and now it’s just incredible focus for the FA Cup final.”

Guardiola was also full of praise for Phil Foden, who rewarded his manager’s decision to start him by setting up City’s first two goals.

“You need quality, spark, vision, talent, something not in the tactical boards, not in the meetings, not in the training,” Guardiola said. “He creates something in small spaces that only the good players can deliver. Really pleased for him.

“Phil close to the box is just unique.”

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