Manchester City’s Spanish manager Pep Guardiola blows kisses on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester City at Selhurst Park in south London on December 14, 2025. City won the game 3-0.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has called for his side to improve if they are to remain serious contenders for the Premier League title, despite Erling Haaland’s latest masterclass in Saturday’s 3-0 victory against West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.
Haaland scored twice and set up Tijjani Reijnders’ goal, helping City maintain their pre-Christmas momentum and putting pressure on title rivals Arsenal in a gripping race at the top of the table. The win marked City’s fifth consecutive league victory, temporarily taking them to the summit of the Premier League ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Everton later in the day.
However, Guardiola expressed concern over his team’s overall performance, emphasizing that dominating possession alone would not guarantee success in the crucial months ahead.
“I’m happy, I cannot deny that, we are fourth in the Champions League and in the semi-finals of the League Cup, but the way we played with the ball we have to improve,” Guardiola said.
“Otherwise, it will not be enough to arrive in March and April to be contenders to win titles. I want to be honest. I said to the players, ‘Merry Christmas everyone but it will not be enough if we don’t improve’.”
The Spaniard, who has guided City to six Premier League titles during his tenure, highlighted his team’s lack of cutting edge at times against West Ham, calling for greater ruthlessness when dominating games.
“In the first half we controlled the game but even with that we were not in the right places to create and we talked about that. We had to create more chances to be solid,” he explained.
“In the second half, when they made a step up, we continued to play not good. We did not do the right process to do what we have to do. If they had scored to make it 2-1, West Ham would have made it 2-2.”
Despite his criticisms, Guardiola praised Haaland for his clinical finishing, as well as the dynamic contributions from Phil Foden and Nico O’Reilly. The prolific Norwegian now has 38 goals across club and country this season.
“There were many good things. Offensively, Erling. I always have to thank Erling for the goals but today thanks to him and Phil and Nico they helped us to do this type of game,” he added.
Guardiola also noted defensive improvements, highlighting the team’s growing solidity while building from the back.
As City prepares for the busy festive schedule, Guardiola’s message is clear: victories are welcome, but further refinement is essential if they are to claim yet another Premier League crown.
