By Noel Whelan

21st Jan, 2023 | 9:03am

Pep Guardiola is playing 'mind games' after new Man City outburst - 'there's no way', says pundit

Noel Whelan has insisted there is “no way” the Premier League title race is over despite the public “mind games” from Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the reigning top-flight champions are still capable of going “unbeaten until the end of the season”.

Speaking to Sky Sports after Man City’s 4-2 win over Tottenham on Thursday (19 January), Guardiola claimed his side are missing “passion, fire and desire” in this title race.

The Spaniard claimed he “doesn’t recognise” his team and also took aim at the City fans – accusing them of being “silent for 45 minutes”.

Man City moved to within five points of leaders Arsenal with the win but they have played one game more than Mikel Arteta’s side.

Guardiola’s side have suffered uncharacteristic losses against Man United, Brentford, and Southampton in their recent fixtures.

Whelan told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “He’s making sure his players are aware of the challenge, but also I think there is probably some mind games involved.

“They’re only five points behind Arsenal. If they win the two games against Arsenal, then they’ve closed it right up.

“The gap is nowhere near what it has been between City and Liverpool over the years.

“Let’s get this straight – they’re more than capable of going unbeaten all the way until the end of the season.

“But there has to be an improvement. They can’t keep giving themselves a mountain to climb, and they’ve got to finish games better.

“It’s been a rough month for them. Maybe this is the turnaround they need.

“There’s no way this fight is finished.”

In other news, pundit claims Man City are a worse team with Erling Haaland in it and it’s “becoming an issue”.