The Etihad Stadium witnessed a dominant display as Manchester City convincingly defeated Liverpool, sending a clear signal to the Premier League’s frontrunners. Jeremy Doku’s stunning strike sealed the victory, a moment of brilliance that underscored City’s attacking prowess and left Liverpool reeling.
Liverpool’s fifth defeat in eleven league games has left them languishing in eighth place, a worrying eight points behind the league leaders, Arsenal. The performance raised serious questions about their title aspirations and the impact of new manager Arne Slot’s early tenure.
Arsenal’s previously flawless ten-game winning streak was halted by a resilient Sunderland side, who secured a 2-2 draw. While a setback, the result doesn’t diminish Arsenal’s strong position at the summit, but it has tightened the race considerably.
Now, Manchester City looms large as Arsenal’s most immediate threat. Just four points separate Guardiola’s team from the top, and their victory over Liverpool demonstrated a level of control and quality that few can match.
Gary Neville, the Manchester United legend, believes City has firmly established itself as the primary challenger to Arsenal. He observed that Guardiola’s team delivered a powerful message to the Gunners, particularly on the occasion of the manager’s 1000th game in charge.
Neville emphasized City’s experience and proven ability to win titles, suggesting they possess the mental fortitude to sustain a challenge throughout the demanding season. He highlighted the importance of remaining within striking distance of Arsenal heading into the crucial final stretch.
Despite City’s resurgence, Neville hasn’t entirely dismissed Liverpool’s chances. He acknowledged the presence of “firecrackers and world-class players” within their squad, hinting at the potential for a dramatic turnaround if they can find consistency.
However, he also conceded that Liverpool’s recent performance was deeply concerning, a “really, really poor” showing that demands immediate attention and self-reflection. The team’s established stars, like Van Dijk, Alisson, and Salah, must lead the charge to rediscover their form.
Arsenal’s dropped points against Sunderland, a late equaliser denying them a comfortable lead, were downplayed by Neville. He views the Premier League as a marathon, anticipating inevitable setbacks along the way.
He stressed that occasional stumbles are normal and that Arsenal should not overreact to the draw. The key, he believes, is to quickly regain momentum and return to winning ways after the international break.
While acknowledging Arsenal’s current superiority, Neville cautioned that City’s experience makes them a particularly dangerous opponent in the closing stages of the season. They are the team no one wants to see gaining ground as the title race intensifies.
