Pep Guardiola has injected fresh belief into Manchester City's Premier League title charge, declaring his side have created "hope for the last game" after a commanding 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace. The win cuts Arsenal's lead to just two points, setting up a tense finale with two matches remaining—away to Bournemouth and at home against Aston Villa.

"We knew against Brentford and today, if we lose we have nothing to do, but we start to bring the hope for the last game against Aston Villa," Guardiola said after the match. "But I would say, next is Bournemouth, look at what they are doing at home all season, and after Aston Villa with Unai (Emery). They are not easy ones, but just focus on that and we see what happens."

The City boss made six changes to his starting lineup for the crucial clash, and the gamble paid off handsomely. Goals from Antoine Semenyo, Omar Marmoush, and Savinho secured a comfortable win that keeps the pressure firmly on league leaders Arsenal.

Guardiola also addressed his rotation policy ahead of Saturday's FA Cup final, explaining the demands of a packed schedule. "It's not just the FA Cup final, after we have Bournemouth three days later," he said. "Chelsea have been all week at home training, preparing for the final. We have to travel to London, they will be at home with their wives and kids, so that is fatigue."

"I have full confidence in all of the squad. I thought we needed energy. Savinho had an incredible game, the strikers Omar and Antoine as well. Overall it was really good against a team that always create problems. Three goals against Brentford, three goals here, I cannot ask for more, and now it's just incredible focus for the FA Cup final."

The Spanish tactician reserved special praise for Phil Foden, who rewarded his manager's faith by setting up City's first two goals. "You need quality, spark, vision, talent—something not in the tactical boards, not in the meetings, not in the training," Guardiola said. "He creates something in small spaces that only the good players can deliver. Really pleased for him."

With the title race going down to the wire, City's momentum is building at exactly the right time. For fans, every match now feels like a cup final—and the team's depth and resilience are proving to be their greatest weapons.