Pep Guardiola has a simple message for his Manchester City squad as the Premier League title race heats up: focus on what you can control.

The Catalan boss addressed his players ahead of Wednesday's crucial clash with Crystal Palace, where City can cut Arsenal's lead to just two points with a win at the Etihad. After the Gunners' hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, the pressure is on Guardiola's men to respond.

"What you cannot control, forget about it," Guardiola said in his pre-match press conference. "Do better, what we have not better this season, to arrive in a better position to fight for the Premier League. And Crystal Palace."

City's title hopes took a hit last week when they were held to a dramatic 3-3 draw against Everton, with Jeremy Doku's stunning 97th-minute equalizer salvaging a vital point. That result means there's now zero margin for error in their final three league games against Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa.

When asked about the mood in the dressing room after Arsenal's latest win, Guardiola revealed he hadn't spoken to his players since the weekend. "I didn't see the players since then, always I give days off," he explained ahead of Tuesday's light training session.

For a City side already holding the Carabao Cup and chasing a domestic treble, the path is clear: win all four remaining games — three in the league plus the FA Cup final — and hope Arsenal slip up against either Burnley or Crystal Palace. It's a tall order, but Guardiola's message is characteristically focused: control what you can, and let the rest take care of itself.