FOUR CE OF HABIT

Pep stars grind way to stay on title track

- DAVID MCDONNELL

IF EVER there was a game that underlined Manchester City's desire to win an historic fourth straight title this was it.

Far from their fluent best, with several of their star players making errors, Pep uncharacteristic Guardiola's side did what champions do find a way to win when not playing well.

At this stage of the season, with the finish line in sight, that is all that matters. Playing attractive football comes second to ticking off the wins, particularly with Arsenal refusing to go away.

This was Guardiola's Premier League game and while it will not rank anywhere near the top in terms of drama or aesthetics, it could prove hugely significant. City extended their unbeaten run in the league to 19 matches, but more importantly kept up the pressure on the Gunners, moving within a point of the leaders with a game in hand.

Had Nottingham Forest possessed a clinical edge in front of goal, Nuno Espirito Santo's men could have taken something from this game to boost their hopes of survival.