Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders has issued a clear message to Arsenal, emphasizing that City remain strong contenders in the Premier League title race this season. With a series of crucial victories, City are closing the gap on the league leaders, signaling that the battle for the top spot is far from over.
City Cuts Gap at the Top
Manchester City has intensified pressure on Arsenal in recent weeks, reducing the leaders’ advantage to just four points. This momentum shift followed convincing wins against Liverpool and Fulham, demonstrating City’s determination to remain in contention for the Premier League crown.
The team’s recent form extends beyond domestic league play, as City also secured a 2-0 victory over League Two side Salford in the FA Cup fourth round on Saturday (February 14, 2026). This triumph not only kept their cup run alive but also reinforced their positive momentum across multiple competitions.
Reijnders, speaking to ESPN on Sunday, reflected on the team’s mindset: “The atmosphere in the squad is good, and it has been good previously as well. Of course, we lost a few points along the way, but the condition remains positive, and we are chasing our targets step by step.”
The Dutch international added a note of optimism about City’s title aspirations: “We’ll see what happens, but if we continue like this, who knows?” His comments underline the competitive mindset within the squad as they pursue both domestic league and cup success.
Reijnders Plays Full 90 Minutes Against Salford
After a dominant 8-0 win over Salford in the FA Cup third round last season, City’s fourth-round encounter at the Etihad Stadium was a more measured affair. A sixth-minute own goal by Alfie Dorrington gave City the lead, but the team maintained a controlled approach rather than pressing aggressively throughout.
This allowed Salford to create chances of their own. Former Liverpool midfielder Ben Woodburn and defender Brandon Cooper came close to equalizing before halftime, testing City’s concentration. Ultimately, Marc Guehi, who had previously been with Crystal Palace, secured the win with his first goal for Salford late in the match, confirming City’s 2-0 progression to the next round.
Reijnders played the full 90 minutes and was one of nine changes introduced by manager Pep Guardiola. His full-game involvement reflects the trust placed in him to contribute both defensively and in midfield creativity.
Adapting to the Premier League
Reijnders’ first season at City has already shown significant promise. Signed from AC Milan last summer for £46.5 million, the 27-year-old midfielder has adapted quickly to the pace and intensity of the Premier League.
“I’ve been fortunate to play many matches, and the coach has given me time to adapt, but I really enjoy it,” Reijnders said. “I love the Premier League, and especially the team I’m playing for now.”
His smooth transition highlights not only his technical abilities but also his capacity to integrate into Guardiola’s tactical setup. Reijnders’ performances have become a key component of City’s midfield, combining defensive discipline with attacking support.
Maintaining Focus Amid Pressure
Reflecting on the FA Cup win, Reijnders noted that Salford’s defensive approach made breaking through challenging: “Of course, they didn’t want last season’s outcome to repeat, so their focus was primarily on defense. Sometimes it’s hard to find spaces and create chances, but the important thing is we progressed to the next round.”
This calm, composed mindset mirrors City’s broader approach to the Premier League race. Rather than succumbing to pressure from narrowing point margins, the team remains methodical and focused on their objectives.
Conclusion: City’s Determination Signals Fierce Title Battle
Tijjani Reijnders’ public warning to Arsenal underscores Manchester City’s determination to remain key contenders in the Premier League. With a blend of strategic victories, cup progress, and key players adapting quickly, City are sending a clear message: the title race is far from settled.
As City continue to press for supremacy, Arsenal and other challengers will need to maintain consistency to hold off Guardiola’s side. Reijnders’ steady influence, coupled with the squad’s cohesive approach, indicates that City are prepared to fight for every point, making the coming weeks critical in the battle for the English top-flight crown.
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