Man City now in driving seat but Guardiola still cautious

According to some of the headlines after Manchester City's crushing defeat of title rivals Arsenal this week the sky blue ribbons can already be fastened to the Premier League trophy.

Their 4-1 thrashing of the long-time leaders at The Etihad wrenched control of the race out of Arsenal's hands and put City firmly in control of their destiny.

But City boss Pep Guardiola is too long in the tooth to assume a fifth league title in six seasons is now a formality.

The reaction to City's victory in the so-called title decider was understandable. It was their seventh successive league win and left them two points behind Arsenal with two games in hand, having trailed by eight not long ago.

Victory for a relentless City at Fulham on Sunday will take them into the lead and, should they achieve that, it really will be their title to lose, especially with home games against struggling West Ham United and Leeds United up next.

But Guardiola urges caution.

"I have a feeling the next three games will dictate a lot," he said. "Fulham have come from the Championship and this season have been amazing. We play at home against Leeds and West Ham. We feel comfortable here with the crowd."

After their mauling at City, Arsenal have the weekend off to lick their wounds and regroup after their home clash with Chelsea was shunted to Tuesday on police advice.

But there is no respite for the teams battling at the other end of the table to avoid being relegated.

SORRY SAINTS

Time appears to be running out for bottom club Southampton after their defeat by Bournemouth on Thursday left them six points from the safety zone with five games left.

Southampton go to third-placed Newcastle United on Sunday to face a side that has scored 10 goals in two games and appear