Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola believes his players are improving under the pressure of competing for the Premier League title.
City are two points clear at the top of the table after title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal lost on Sunday.
Champions beat Luton 5-1 He won the title a day ago and is now the favorite to win his fourth consecutive title.
“They like to play under pressure,” City said. “They like you dead and alive.”
Guardiola said in his press conference after Saturday's game against Luton: “That doesn't mean we'll do it, but I know them well and I've seen their faces in the pre-match meeting, so I'm sure we'll do it until the end. I'm sure it's there,” he added. And how are they preparing?
“So does that mean we'll be Premier League champions? No, no. That's not what I'm saying. But we will compete, that's for sure.”
Liverpool and Arsenal suffered unexpected defeats on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp's side lost 1-0 at home to Crystal Palace. meanwhile Arsenal lost 2-0 to 4th place Aston Villa. At the Emirates Stadium.
Two points separating the top three teams means that at this stage of the season it remains the closest title race since the 1998-99 season.
City have two crucial knock-out matches this week, against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday and against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday.
