A short break in Premier League football is upon us and it allows weighing up what may happen in the rest of the campaign in the English top-flight. At the top of the table, it seems that reigning champions Manchester City are way ahead of the rivals.

Liverpool have closed the gap

However, Liverpool have now closed the gap to nine points at the weekend. The Reds recorded a somewhat controversial 3-1 win at Crystal Palace, while Manchester City could only draw 1-1 with mid-table Southampton. The gap becomes even less if Liverpool wins their game in hand, then there may be a race.

In truth, Liverpool have done pretty well in the Premier League without their two star forwards Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Other players have stepped up from different positions and scored the goals needed to win games. Jurgen Klopp’s team have not been anywhere close to the levels that they were when they won the English top-flight title in 2019. However, they have been grinding out results just enough to maybe raise doubts in the minds of their competitors.

Liverpool have had a habit under Klopp of going on winning runs and grinding out results when they have needed to. The Reds results could be rendered meaningless if the reigning champions bounce straight back from the draw on the south coast with another winning run, which is not out of the question.

A rare slip-up for City

Manchester City have been a winning machine in recent months in the Premier League. The draw at Southampton ended a run of 12 straight wins for the Citizens in the English top-flight. It also ended a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions. It was a rare off day for Pep Guardiola’s team and it may not come again any time soon. The Catalan boss demands the best of his players and even draws are considered unacceptable, as his standards are that high.

It seems unlikely that the draw will lead to Manchester City collapse in form. It was just a rare off day for the reigning champions. If there was to be a race for the title, then the Citizens will have to drop points in two further games, which may not even happen. Liverpool would also have to keep winning their games, which although they can do, currently seems unlikely considering the points they have already dropped this season.

A race for the title will likely be built up by the media and television companies (we know the irony of that statement). However, it seems unlikely to happen at this stage of the season. As we all know though, strange things can happen in football, so it cannot be completely ruled out. If there is a title race it will certainly make the second half of the season more interesting that’s for sure.

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Will there really be a title race for the rest of the season in the Premier League?