Manchester City’s 4-1 demolition of Liverpool has kept Pep Guardiola’s team in the running as the English Premier League title chase enters a critical phase.
At the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, three second-half goals from City lifted the host club to a comfortable and well-deserved victory over a squad that had previously been City’s lone rival for the league crown.
It appears that Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool will struggle to finish in the top four, which the Reds need to do to qualify for the Champions League next season. But this season’s Liverpool team is far from the vintage of recent campaigns.
Erling Haaland, a striker with 42 goals, was absent. Still, City outscored opponents, answering Mohamed Salah’s goal in the 17th minute with goals from Julián Alvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and the excellent Jack Grealish.
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City, the two-time defending champion, needed to win to stay ahead of league-leading Arsenal. The Gunners also had a straightforward victory on Saturday, defeating Leeds United 4-1 to hold onto their eight-point lead atop the standings.
The encounter between the two clubs at the Etihad on April 26 might be vital in the title battle if both sides continue to play as they have been.
After that game, City will have six games left and Arsenal five. And maybe we will get to know who lifts the trophy this time.