Football writer Ben Bloom believes that a Liverpool win at the Etihad Stadium against Manchester City, the first since Pep Guardiola took charge in 2016, would increase the pressure on Arsenal in the title race.
Manchester City and Liverpool have been the dominant forces in the Premier League over the past seven years, emerging as the biggest rivals of that era.
A Crucial Clash in the Title Race
Late-season showdowns between the two teams have often had a decisive impact on the title race, determining the eventual champions.
However, this season is different. When the two sides meet at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, only one will have their sights set on lifting the Premier League trophy.
Manchester City, languishing in fourth place and 17 points off the pace, are now focused on salvaging something from a season that has seen them struggle to defend their title, exit the UEFA Champions League early, and have the FA Cup as their only remaining chance for silverware.
In contrast, their visitors, Liverpool, are currently eight points clear at the top of the table, the dominant force in Europe, and have already booked a spot in the EFL Cup final.
Liverpool’s Recent Stumbles and the Significance of Sunday’s Match
Despite their commanding position, Liverpool’s recent performances have been unconvincing, with the team dropping points in two of their last three league games and barely hanging on to win the other.
A confidence-boosting triumph over Manchester City could calm the nerves that are starting to fray, especially as Liverpool face a grueling fixture list in the coming weeks.
The significance of Sunday’s match is further amplified by the fact that Arsenal, Liverpool’s closest title rivals, lost at home to West Ham United on Saturday, missing the chance to close the gap to just five points.
A Liverpool win on Sunday would put them 11 points clear at the top, putting even greater pressure on Arsenal as they face a challenging run of fixtures, including matches against Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Chelsea.
Liverpool’s Impressive Away Record and City’s Etihad Dominance
- Liverpool have been a different proposition on the road this season, remaining the only unbeaten side away from home and scoring nine more goals than any other team.
- However, they have struggled at the Etihad Stadium, where they have not won a Premier League game since Guardiola took charge nine years ago, a run of eight successive league matches in which City remain unbeaten against them.
| Club | Away points won |
| Liverpool | 32 |
|---|---|
| Arsenal | 25 |
| Nott’m Forest | 23 |
| Bournemouth | 22 |
| Chelsea | 21 |
| Newcastle | 21 |
Guardiola’s side may be boosted by the potential return of Erling Haaland, who missed the Champions League defeat at Real Madrid with a knee issue, but will be without the injured John Stones.
Arne Slot, the Liverpool manager, expects a tough challenge, acknowledging Manchester City’s consistent excellence under Guardiola, with only a few months of subpar performance during the Spaniard’s tenure.
In conclusion, the outcome of Sunday’s encounter between Manchester City and Liverpool could have a significant impact on the title race. A Liverpool victory would put them in a commanding position, while a City win would reignite the chase for the Premier League trophy.
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