Man City won’t rest after crucial win over Arsenal: Akanji

Manuel Akanji has warned Manchester City not to rest on their laurels after the Premier League champions thrashed Arsenal to seize control of the title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side swept to a 4-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, leaving top spot within touching distance as leaders Arsenal crumble.

Second-placed City are two points behind the Gunners and, with two games in hand, they are now favourites to secure their fifth title in six seasons.

But City defender Akanji knows there are still twists and turns in store during his team’s final seven league games, starting at Fulham on Sunday.

“It was a big game and a massive win for us. It helps us a lot but there’s still so many games to play,” he said.

“Seven games — still 21 points to grab so we can’t relax now on this win. We’ve got to go on Sunday and win the next game against Fulham.”

City have won 12 of their last 13 games in all competitions, including seven successive league victories.

In contrast, Arsenal have blown the eight-point lead they held at the start of April after four games without a win.

City’s third victory over Arsenal in just over three months underlined the gulf in quality between the teams.

Akanji feels City’s experience of success in the latter half of the campaign has come to the fore.

The Switzerland international, who signed from Borussia Dortmund in September, said: “The whole team played really good and had a really good team performance over 90 minutes.

“We were strong in the duels, we were good with the ball and that was different to the game at the Emirates.

“Then we used our chances and we played well defensively and I think that’s the key to these wins, (as is) the experience that the guys in the locker room have.

“They won three championships in the last four and the experience that they bring into the team, and for me also as a player to come into the team, helps.”