Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus insists they have to win every match in the Premier League title run-in if they are to see off the challenge of Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s side went back to the top of the table for the first time in two months, albeit on goal difference having played one match more than the Reds, after a 2-0 win at Everton.
But having beaten Arsenal and the Toffees – while Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool recorded back-to-back draws against Leicester and West Ham – City must now prepare for Sunday’s clash with Chelsea at the Etihad.
Jesus knows they cannot afford any more slip-ups after losing back-to-back games either side of Christmas and then suffering a shock defeat at struggling Newcastle last month.
“It’s an important moment for us because we had three difficult games. We have won two and now have Chelsea, a big game,” said the Brazil international, who scored City’s second at Goodison Park in the sixth minute of added time at the end of the game.
“We need to win that, because we are at home. It’s amazing to be back on top. We have played one more game than Liverpool, but it’s good because we want another title.
“We need to win every single game, but we’re so happy now.”
Great victory! Fighting until the end πͺπΎππΎ #wearecity pic.twitter.com/YKJFauhtUz
— Fernandinho (@fernandinho) 7 February 2019
A month ago City could have fallen 10 points behind in the title race had they lost at home to Liverpool, but a 2-1 victory was followed by four wins in five league games, while the Reds dropped points in two of their four fixtures since.
“I don’t know about Liverpool but we have worked hard to get back into first position,” Jesus added.
“The Premier League is always difficult and after winning it last year we want it again.
“But now we are top, we are happy we need to keep working hard to win games.”
City are still fighting on four fronts and they face Newport in the FA Cup, Chelsea in the Carabao Cup and Schalke in the Champions League all before the end of the month.
“Every competition is important for us because we want to take the titles for ourselves,” said Jesus.
“We cannot make one competition a priority. Sometimes the manager plays other players in the Carabao and FA Cup but that’s good because the players who play more need a rest.
“The season is long with a lot of games.”
