The Premier League title race looks set for an exciting end to the season after all three main contenders secured victories this weekend. Liverpool’s defeat to Arsenal last weekend left United with eight wins and one loss and just two points off the top three.
Manchester City went provisionally top after beating Everton on Saturday, while Liverpool beat Burnley 3-1 at Anfield. It was Arsenal who beat West Ham by six at the London Stadium to deliver the weekend’s result. City have become title favorites this season and have been boosted by the return of Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. Haaland scored twice against Everton, with teammate De Bruyne the other.
However, manager Pep Guardiola insists the duo will not guarantee City the title and believes Liverpool and Arsenal still have hopes of finishing the season top. Asked how scary it was to see City rivals Haaland and De Bruyne return, Guardiola told talkSPORT: “It doesn’t matter. I don’t care how terrible it is for them. After all, I know that some of my colleagues are not afraid at all. “Okay, we are stronger [with De Bruyne and Holland], but as I said earlier, we can play well, but players like that help us win games.” “It’s not easy to score the first goal, but Erling in the penalty area is the best because he has the first contact with his right foot,” he said.
Liverpoolface City again at Anfield on March 10 in what could be a decisive game in the title race. The Premier League champions are also set to face Arsenal at the Etihad. Liverpool came back from Burnley on Saturday to level at half-time and secured a vital three points with goals from Luis Diaz and Darwin Núñez. Klopp later predicted Tottenham and Aston Villa would be involved, despite Unai Emery’s side losing to Manchester United on Sunday.
He added: “It’s not just the three points [against Burnley]. Momentum cannot always be guaranteed. Nine days ago we played brilliantly against Chelsea and lost against Arsenal. It’s always another challenge. If it doesn’t click right away, struggle. “It was very difficult but the boys persevered and got the three points.”
