“I had a lot of doubts” – Pep Guardiola reveals Manchester City players suffered from fatigue after Arsenal win

Guardiola: Man City players were drained after Arsenal win

In an honest post-match admission, Guardiola admitted that he was doubtful over his starting XI against Burnley after the physical and mental demands of Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal from the weekend.

“I had a lot of doubts about the line-up today (against Burnley) because of the fatigue from Sunday (against Arsenal),” the Manchester City manager said in a press conference after Haaland’s strike relegated the Clarets to the EFL Championship.

Rodri missed the trip to Turf Moor with a calf injury – the full extent of which remains unknown and so does when the Blues can expect their Ballon d’Or winning star back.

Nico Gonzalez was expected to start in holding midfield but had to settle for a place on the bench as Rayan Ait-Nouri came in at left-back to allow Nico O’Reilly to move into midfield in place of the injured Rodri.

I have to get Southampton XI perfect, says Guardiola

Manchester City turn their attention to the FA Cup this weekend as they travel to Wembley to face Southampton in the semi-final, having put Liverpool to the sword in an emphatic 4-0 drubbing in the quarter-final.

Goal difference caveat can’t distract Manchester City in Premier League run-in, says Pep Guardiola

Guardiola has admitted that he needs to get his selection calls just right between now and the end of the season as City bid for a domestic treble to give departing captain Bernardo Silva a fitting send-off after nine seasons at the Etihad Stadium.

“I have to think perfectly about (the Manchester City line-up against Southampton), knowing that if we win it will be a good decision and if we lose it will be a bad decision, to have a little bit fresh legs in the FA Cup semi-final,” Guardiola added.

Savinho, Phil Foden, Omar Marmoush and Tijjani Reijnders could all come in to freshen up the attack as Manchester City aim to reach the FA Cup final, where they will face either Chelsea or Leeds United.