Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola on Tuesday remained unwavering in his conviction that past successes won't be the defining factor in this season's Premier League title race.
The Citizens, with their eyes set on an unprecedented fourth consecutive English top-flight title and a sixth Premier League crown in seven seasons, find themselves playing catch-up after a frustrating 0-0 draw against Arsenal kept them trailing leaders Liverpool by three points, with Arsenal a solitary point ahead in second place.
Despite their imperious form, evidenced by an unbeaten streak spanning 23 games, City's inability to secure a victory against any of the top five teams in the league this season hangs as a glaring blemish on their campaign.
Guardiola, however, isn't dwelling on past achievements or missed opportunities. Ahead of a crucial clash against Aston Villa, currently occupying the fourth spot, the seasoned manager emphasised the urgency of rectifying their record against top-tier opponents.
"Our track record is irrelevant now. Aston Villa is all that matters," Guardiola asserted during his pre-match press briefing.
Reflecting on their previous encounter with Villa, a disappointing 1-0 defeat that Guardiola labeled as their worst performance of the season, the City boss acknowledged the formidable challenge posed by Unai Emery's revitalized side.
"Aston Villa is a team vying for Champions League qualification. Every match holds significance," Guardiola remarked. "Emery's consistency is commendable, and Villa's resurgence under his guidance is a testament to his managerial prowess and the team's quality."
As City aim to navigate through their injury woes in defence, with the potential return of John Stones offering a glimmer of hope, Guardiola remains steadfast in his focus on the immediate task at hand: securing victory against Villa and keeping their title aspirations alive in what promises to be a fiercely contested run-in to the season's climax.
