Manchester City’s title charge has gathered pace again and Tijjani Reijnders is making no attempt to downplay it.
Speaking after City’s recent run of victories, the Dutch midfielder warned Arsenal that Pep Guardiola’s side are firmly “on the hunt” in the Premier League title race. Wins over Liverpool and Fulham have reduced the gap at the top to four points, tightening the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s leaders as the season moves into its decisive phase.
City also advanced in the FA Cup on 15 February 2026, defeating Salford 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium. While far less dramatic than last season’s 8-0 meeting between the sides, the result ensured momentum continues on multiple fronts.
Man City title hunt gathers momentum
Reijnders, who played the full 90 minutes against Salford after being named in a heavily rotated side, reflected on City’s current mood.
“The mood’s been good, but it was also good before. Of course we’ve dropped some points as well but it’s good and we are on the hunt and we keep going.
We have to see of course, but if we keep going like this, who knows?”
— Tijjani Reijnders
The victory over Salford was controlled rather than spectacular. An early Alfie Dorrington own goal gave City the lead after six minutes and they managed the contest from there. Salford threatened before the break through Ben Woodburn and Brandon Cooper, but City rarely looked troubled. Marc Guéhi came off the bench late on to score his first goal for the club and seal progression.
Having followed City closely in recent weeks, the shift in intensity has been noticeable. The wins over Liverpool and Fulham have restored belief within the squad after earlier dropped points, and the squad depth available to Guardiola remains a significant factor in this race. However, much will depend on consistency in the run-in, particularly with European commitments still to come.
Reijnders also addressed his adaptation in his first season following a £46.5million move from AC Milan last summer.
“Luckily I’ve played many games already and the coach gave me time to adapt as well, but I really like it. I like the Premier League and especially I like the team where I’m playing now.” — Tijjani Reijnders
Key Insights
- Manchester City have cut Arsenal’s lead to four points.
- Reijnders says City are “on the hunt” for the Premier League title.
- City beat Salford 2-0 on 15 February 2026 to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
- Guardiola rotated heavily but maintained control.
- Reijnders continues to adapt in his first Premier League season.
What’s Next
City’s immediate focus returns to the Premier League, where maintaining pressure on Arsenal is essential. With fixtures intensifying across competitions, squad rotation will be critical to sustaining momentum.
If Guardiola’s side continue to collect points at this rate, the title race could tighten further before the end of February. Arsenal’s response in the coming weeks may ultimately determine whether this develops into a late-season duel.
Is this the moment the title race truly turns, or will Arsenal hold firm at the summit?
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