Man City have three games to restore their crown -- and potentially send Pep out on a high - ESPN

In the space of six days before the international break, Manchester City went from sifting through what looked like the wreckage of the season to breathing new life into the final weeks of their campaign.

Two defeats to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League, either side of more dropped Premier League points at West Ham United, put a significant dent in City's trophy ambitions.

But then came victory over Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final and, suddenly, the next two months feel alive again. It wasn't just the result at Wembley; it was the performance, too. In the second half, City looked sharp and energetic. Arsenal appeared lacklustre and apprehensive — whether because of Mikel Arteta's instructions or just the pressure of the occasion. Either way, it felt like a significant moment.

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Speaking in the Wembley media theatre afterwards, Pep Guardiola tried to play down the impact it could have on their Premier League title bid. In another interview, match winner Nico O'Reilly went off-script and said City could «smell blood.»

If nothing else, Guardiola and his players will return to the club this week rejuvenated ahead of the final run-in.

It starts with an FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, followed a week later with a crucial league game against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Then comes Arsenal's visit to the Etihad on April 19 in a fixture which could ignite the title race or effectively crown Arteta's side — already nine points clear at the top — as champions-in-waiting.

It's a run of