Man City "cannot possibly" match Arsenal's goal differential in the Premier League title race, according to Pep Guardiola, and they now have to win their final three games.
Arsenal momentarily led the rankings with four points after defeating Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, but City swiftly cut the deficit to one point after thrashing Wolves 5-1, with Erling Haaland scoring four goals.
With three league games remaining against Fulham, Tottenham, and West Ham to Arsenal's two, City needs three victories to secure the title.
The trophy would surely travel to north London if City were to draw any of those games and Arsenal were to win their last two games against Manchester United and Everton.
Goal differential would also be crucial if both teams finished the season with the same number of points. Despite City's five goals on Saturday, they are still behind Arsenal by six goals in that category.
Guardiola said that with the victory over Wolves, it is quite unlikely that the goal difference disparity will narrow.
Guardiola answered, "Of course," to a question on Sky Sports citing events from Villa's past two seasons when asked whether the goal is to end the season with control over their own destiny.
We have to win [this Saturday] at 12:30 p.m. against Fulham, which is never simple. The Spurs are likewise challenging all the time.
We are not artists because a goal difference is unachievable. Arsenal has been playing with incredible consistency and quality since the winter break. However, we are in charge of it. Three games are available. We have to win the first, second, and, hopefully, last games to take charge of our own destiny.
Theoretically, City may hand the trophy to themselves if they defeat their fierce rivals, Tottenham.
Manchester United will be in a similar position when they host Arsenal on Sunday. A win at home would move City closer to becoming the first team in Premier League history to win a fourth consecutive title.