Declan Rice told Arsenal team-mates the title race was not done immediately after their defeat against Manchester City, and Pep Guardiola said he loved the message. The Arsenal midfielder was seen relaying the point on the pitch as City closed in on the Premier League leaders.
City were three points behind Arsenal after the match and could move level on points on Wednesday night if they beat Burnley, who were in the relegation zone. Guardiola, speaking to Sky Sports, said Rice showed what Arsenal's mentality is and added that the clip proved they were still there in the title race.
"I love that. I love that. That's why Arsenal is there," Guardiola said. "If people think because we beat them, the title race is done, Declan Rice showed us that they are there." He added that Arsenal had been competitive in the Premier League and in the Carabao Cup, and unbeaten in the Champions League.
The exchange came with Arsenal seeking a first league title since 2004, while Manchester City were aiming to clinch a fifth domestic crown in six years. Guardiola also said the teams knew exactly what opponents they would face over the run-in, with five games left for Arsenal and six for City.
Rice's brief message matched the scale of the race. Arsenal remain ahead for now, but City are close enough to turn one defeat into a temporary slip if they take care of Burnley next.