In the meeting between Merseyside and Manchester on Sunday, it was the Mancunians that came out on top. But not in the orthodox way, as Liverpool and Manchester United playing out a goalless draw at Anfield was to the benefit of Manchester City and their title charge instead.
Manchester City the Real Winners From Weekend
Manchester City Benefit From Anfield Stalemate
It was far from the best game at Anfield on Sunday. A combined 18 shots – with seven on target – doesn’t reflect, on paper, what was quite a dour affair between both rivals. In the first league meeting between these sides since fans couldn’t attend games, it was all very tepid and bland. And it was a result that left Jurgen Klopp talking about Liverpool’s top-four chances instead, with his side having gone four games without a league win.
But while many might not be taking Klopp at his word and still see Liverpool at title contenders, it was all very much Manchester City’s gains. A few hours after the stalemate in Merseyside, eyes turned to Manchester, as Pep Guardiola’s side put four past Crystal Palace.
City have now won five in a row in the league, conceding once in that time. They’ve gone above champions Liverpool, and are two points behind leaders United, with a game in hand.
Manchester City the Title Favourites
It might still be early to declare a side as title favourites, especially in a season in which the pendulum keeps swinging back and forth. A bunch of results changes the whole picture in an instant, and narratives get turned on their heads. A few weeks ago, the question would probably have been whether to discount Pep’s time from the title race altogether.
But City are starting to look imperious again. After a slow start to the season, the 2018 and 2019 champions have found their rhythm. There’s a rejuvenated John Stones at the back, and while the midfield still relies on Kevin De Bruyne for all the creativity, the attack is starting to put teams to the sword again.
There’s still a long way to go, as the season hasn’t reached halfway yet. However, with other sides displaying a fair amount of inconsistency, any side that can grab the season by the jugular and seize initiative might pull away. A while back, it looked to be Liverpool – another proof of the constant change in narrative. Now, it looks very much like Manchester City are the team to beat for the title.
City Can Go Top in Race for Title in Midweek
Both Manchester sides play in midweek, meaning Manchester United still have the chance to enter the coming weekend as leaders once more. But Manchester City host Aston Villa earlier in the night, and there’s a chance they’ll be top in the title race before United kick-off at Fulham.
In a topsy-turvy campaign involving an unpredictable title race, Manchester City haven’t been at the top of the pile all season. But there’s a strong chance that if they get there, they will take some stopping.
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
