Pep Guardiola issues new hidden message towards English match officials amid long-standing referee anger

However, the atmosphere remains tense as City fans feel a series of recent VAR calls – both against them and in favour of their title rivals Arsenal – have perhaps unfairly favoured their title competitors across the course of the season.

With two games remaining in the English top-flight next week, City trail Arsenal by two points but crucially hold a superior goal difference and goals scored, meaning the margin for error is non-existent should Arsenal slip up against either Burnley or Crystal Palace.

Pep Guardiola’s history with the PGMOL has been well-documented, and while the City boss usually avoids fines by using coded language, his latest comments suggest a belief that the establishment has always made the path to silverware unnecessarily difficult.

“You know that”: Guardiola hints at officiating problems

Speaking to Sky Sports after Manchester City’s clinical victory over Oliver Glasner’s side on Wednesday night, Pep Guardiola told reporters, “I’ve said it from day one: in this club, to win games and titles, you have to be much, much, much, much, much, much better.

“(Relying) on unique circumstances, you will not do it. Simple as that.”

When pressed for a clearer answer around what those ‘circumstances’ are, Guardiola insisted, “You know that”, before chuckling with the reporter and walking away from the interview.

Three games to decide Man City’s season

By suggesting that Manchester City must be significantly better on the pitch to overcome external factors, Pep Guardiola is effectively rallying his squad into a ‘us against the world’ siege mentality during the final days of the season.

It is a tactic that Pep Guardiola has successfully employed in previous title run-ins and pursuits of major silverware during his 10-year stay at the Etihad Stadium, perhaps most notably during the 2022/23 season and after the club were struck with 115 charges for alleged breaches of financial rules by the Premier League.

Looking ahead, the focus immediately shifts to Wembley on Saturday afternoon, with Manchester City looking to make it a double of domestic silverware added to their cabinet this campaign through the Carabao Cup and FA Cup Final against Chelsea.

Victory over the West London side could also provide the momentum needed to sweep their final league fixtures and hope for an Arsenal stumble at Selhurst Park on the final day.