Pep Guardiola predicted that the battle for a top five finish in the Premier League to the last day of the season goes after the 2-2 draw of Manchester City with Brighton on Saturday.
Goals of Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush, both sides of the glorious free kick of Pervis Estupinan, put the city in control with a 2-1 rest lead in the Etihad Stadium.
But the own goal of Abdukodir Khusanov early in the second half, the level of Brighton dragged again, and the seagulls – who are only one point behind the city – missed several good opportunities to win it.
This season City has now dropped nine points of winning positions in Premier League home competitions, their most in one campaign since 2008-09 (12).
After lost 1-0 in Nottingham Forest in their previous match, they are six points on drift of the third, while they could finish four points of the fourth placed Chelsea on Sunday if the Blues Arsenal beat.
Only one win for one of the five English teams in the quarterfinals of the three competitions of UEFA will ensure that fifth place in the Premier League is sufficient for Champions League qualification, but Guardiola still believes that City has cut out their work.
Asked if he expected that the fight would go to the last day for a top-five finish, Guardiola said: “Nine games, nine finals. It looks like it.
“Nine games still until the end of the season. We have tough matches.
“It looked like Nottingham Forest. Okay, we didn't lose. The goal was not good enough, but it will be tight to the end.”
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan, who helped the second goal of the city, said BBC Sport: “I feel very disappointed. After I have come to the fore twice and actually playing very well, it is a bit frustrating not to get the three points.
“I think we could limit their possession. Second half, after it had admitted the second, felt like we fell into confidence and faith.
“We dropped a bit and have easily given away opportunities. It is important to stay calm. Of course, mistakes happen, even at this level.
“The opposition is so good. Every game is difficult. If you allow, you sometimes try not to exaggerate things.
“We have to expect the best of everyone every day.
“I thought we had a good training week. We want to convey that strength and energy to the game. Sometimes it's not enough.”
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