As the Premier League season reaches its dramatic conclusion, Pep Guardiola has issued a warning that Crystal Palace could be the team to derail Arsenal's title hopes on the final day. With just three matches remaining, Manchester City sit five points behind the Gunners but hold a crucial game in hand—a home fixture against Palace that could reignite the title race.
While Palace's domestic form has been inconsistent, they've enjoyed a remarkable European campaign, securing a spot in the UEFA Europa Conference League Final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27. Some might expect Oliver Glasner's side to shift focus to that historic occasion, but Guardiola dismisses any notion that they'll take their foot off the gas against Arsenal.
"Always it has been a tough game since Patrick Vieira or Roy Hodgson especially, and now Oliver," Guardiola said, reflecting on Palace's reputation as formidable opponents. "They have a European final, so maybe struggled a little bit in the Premier League with a lot of changes. The manager is leaving as announced from a long time ago, and maybe they were not consistent, but the quality is there, the patterns are there."
The title race reached its crescendo after Arsenal's narrow victory over West Ham last weekend, establishing a five-point cushion at the summit. But City's game in hand represents the first of three finals for Guardiola's men. Any further slip-up effectively hands the crown to Mikel Arteta's side, making Wednesday's clash against Palace absolutely pivotal.
Guardiola highlighted Selhurst Park as one of the most volatile environments for title challengers, with Arsenal scheduled to visit on the final day. "Well in Germany he made an incredible job," Guardiola added of Glasner, acknowledging the quality that Palace possess despite their recent domestic struggles.
For City fans and neutrals alike, this sets up a fascinating final fortnight. Can Palace, with one eye on European glory, summon the professionalism to upset the title odds? Guardiola seems to think so—and that warning might just be the wake-up call his squad needs.