Pep Guardiola calls on Man City to seize ‘distinctive’ alternative

Pep Guardiola told his Manchester City stars to grab hold of history as they start the week two victories from an unprecedented fourth Premier League title.

A win at bogey side Tottenham on Tuesday night would make City overwhelming favourites to pip Arsenal to the crown.

City were nerveless in dispatching Fulham 4-0 at the weekend and their recent glut has seen goal difference come back into play.

Arsenal are three goals ahead and that could come into play if City earn four points over their last two fixtures.

‘We know what we are playing for, how difficult it is to be here,’ Guardiola said. ‘We’re ready again and we have something unique in front of us.

Pep Guardiola has called for his side to grab hold of history when they take on Tottenham

Two wins in their last two games secures a record fourth successive Premier League title 

Arsenal lead them by a point but have played one game more heading into the final weekend

‘We have to do our best performance in everything. We need the right tension and the focus has to be there.

‘If we play these games relaxed, it’s a big problem. Maybe Spurs are going to play for qualification for the Champions League and have a huge target as well.’

Nathan Ake will be assessed ahead of the trip to north London, while Jack Grealish is back after absence. City’s wretched record at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – losing all four in the league since its opening – is something that will need correcting.

Guardiola added: ‘To do something that another team has not done, we have to do something exceptional. If we have never done it in the Premier League, we have to do it this time.

‘This is the time to do it. Otherwise, Arsenal will be champions. The mindset is just what you have to do to win the games. You are focusing on the work and what you have to do is much better.

‘The other situations will not be in your mind. It’s what you have to do. What we are playing for, everybody knows.’