A few weeks ago, it looked like Manchester City were set to cruise to the Premier League title for the second straight season. The Citizens were runaway league leaders. However, on Saturday the title race was blown wide open.
The reigning English champions suffered a dramatic 3-2 home defeat against Tottenham. The citizens looked to have snatched a point with a late Riyad Mahrez penalty. There was a late twist in the tale, as Spurs striker Harry Kane headed home the winning goal.
The goal opened the title race up, as City are now just six clear of second-place Liverpool, who have a game in hand on the reigning champions.
Doubts may appear at City
It is a strange thing to say about Manchester City, considering that the Citizens have won four of their last five games, but the champions recent Premier League form has been inconsistent of late. In fact, Pep Guardiola’s team has now won just one of their last three league matches, which by their insanely high standards is inconsistent.
One defeat may not wreck City’s season. However, these sorts of results can knock teams off their strides and lead to a loss of momentum. Manchester City have proven in the past that they generally bounce back well from these sorts of setbacks. Guardiola is not the sort of head coach to allow his team any sort of complacency.
Liverpool have looked relentless of late
While City have been relentless for much of the season, Liverpool seems to have now reached the same level of consistency after some disappointing results earlier in the season. A 3-1 home win over relegation-threatened Norwich last time out was the Reds eighth straight victory in all competitions.
The victory was also Liverpool’s fifth straight Premier League win. Not only are they flourishing in attack, but Jurgen Klopp’s team has also conceded just one goal in their last five games. Their recent form has been ominous for sure.
The men from Merseyside seem to have built a highly positive momentum in recent weeks. It feels like the same sort of momentum that they built when they claimed the Premier League title in 2020. If they can continue in their current vein then they will be difficult to stop this season. The Reds still have to win that game in hand, which is on Wednesday night at home against out-of-form Leeds.
The best two teams in the Premier League by far
Without a doubt, Manchester City and Liverpool are in a league of their own at the moment in the Premier League. They are have proven that are the two best teams over the last few seasons, as between them they have won the last three English top-flight titles.
With plenty of games left in the Premier League campaign. In truth, City could well go on another winning run in the English top-flight and still stay ahead of their title rivals. However, the result at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday may just have left the door slightly ajar for Liverpool to swoop in and claim the title this season.
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Does City’s defeat against Tottenham change the race for the Premier League title?
