Pep Guardiola makes brutal Man City claim that could hand Arsenal the title

Pep Guardiola has suggested Manchester City’s Premier League title challenge will come to an end if they fail to beat West Ham United on Saturday.

City trail leaders Arsenal by seven points after costly home draw against Nottingham Forest allowed the Gunners to spring further clear of their nearest rivals.

The seven-time Premier League champions do have a game in hand on their rivals and will also host Arsenal in a potentially deceive showdown at the Etihad in April.

But City have repeatedly dropped points at crucial junctures this season and are also reeling from a humbling night in Europe, thrashed 3-0 by Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 clash midweek.

West Ham meanwhile have belatedly found some form in their bid to stay in the top flight, beating Fulham away from home last time out having lost just one of their last five away at Anfield.

With a second leg at home to Real to follow on Tuesday with the Carabao Cup final looming large next week, City’s season could fall apart if results don’t go their way.

‘Tomorrow night we have a game, an important one for the Premier League position. Then we have the second leg,’ Guardiola told a press conference on Friday.

‘We’re used to it, no? For many years we’ve lived these kind of situations.

‘Now it’s West Ham and after that we will have time to think about it. Play the game you have to play and after the game will dictate if you have a chance or not.

‘We don’t have many dollars in the bank but we will see on Tuesday. Now it’s West Ham.

‘The Premier League is the most difficult title. We’re still there, knowing that if we drop points it will be over.’

He added: ‘I’ve always said when we arrive in the last 10 games every team plays for something — for relegation, for Europa League, for Conference League, for Champions League, to be champions. It’s normal, every game.

‘Now there are no second chances.’

Arsenal host Everton on Saturday evening and could sit 10 points clear by the time City kick-off against West Ham in the 8pm kick-off.