Ruben Dias has admitted Wednesday's massive clash with Arsenal is a title decider but so are all their remaining Premier League fixtures.
City welcome table-toppers Arsenal to the Etihad for what is bound to be a dramatic encounter. Mikel Arteta's side are currently five points clear at the top of the table but they will be disappointed that their lead is not greater after draws in their last three league matches.
The Blues can reduce the gap to two points if they win and as they have played two games fewer than their rivals the title will be firmly in their hands. Dias believes the match is crucial but hasn't overlooked the other games still to come.
Also read: Every word from Pep Guardiola ahead of Arsenal clash
“I guess it is a title decider, as will the next one against Fulham and the one after that against West Ham and so on,” he said. "It is just another part of the title race. It is definitely a big one because we are playing against our main opponent, and it is a good time to make a statement.
“But we know that after this game, there is still a long way to go and many games to be played. Our total focus is on tomorrow’s game, but knowing there is still a long way to go.
“We all know how good Arsenal are and what they are capable of. But we also know how difficult it is in this part of the season. It all seems fantastic and great, but it is not done until it is actually done.
“It is in these moments that you really need to push instead of just trying to maintain. You need to push and go for all of it. It is not really how it begins or in the middle, it is how it ends.
“For us, I think the most important is the mix between having that experience and everyone still being so hungry. Everyone needs and wants more. No one is satisfied and especially when you get to this part and you are in the competitions, the appetite just comes.
“The fact that no one has lost that appetite is what keeps us coming back again. To be here again is a privilege for us all. We have obviously been here before and we know what we have to do. We will try to do it again. To make things happen, you need to visualise them first.
“But then, right after that you need to remember that you need to think about today and not think too far ahead as you will lose the focus and the possibility of fighting for something great.”
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