Man City’s De Bruyne and Foden will be out to celebrate further, after their fixture against Everton in today’s early kick-off at the Etihad. — Reuters
THERE was a lively discussion after Monday’s result that deliberated Manchester City’s chances of securing an unprecedented second successive Treble: the English League title, the FA Cup and the Uefa Champions League.
Those making the case for Pep Guardiola’s Citizens were well within their rights to point out that this team is only just getting started and that they have every chance of pulling it off.
City’s detractors leaned on them suffering injuries and/or suspensions of key players in the run-in, with particular emphasis on Erling Haaland, Kevin De Bruyne and Rodri.
It must be noted that this trio has indeed missed playing time through injuries and suspension this term, and their absences did have telling effects on some results.
But as things stand, City managed reasonably well without them and might do so again if they must.
The bad news for the pretenders to their league title, and in Europe too, is that Guardiola has a squad that is almost fully fit.
And we all know that when City play at full tilt like the Spaniard wants them to, they are not only a joy to watch but can be devastating in how they go about dismantling the opposition.
Everton’s visit to the Etihad for the early kick-off today is likely to give us further proof of that.
And as fate would have it, City would climb back to the top of the table should they win, as many expect them to, albeit for a couple of hours or so.
Liverpool, who unceremoniously dropped points in their defeat at Arsenal last weekend, are down to play Burnley in a later game today, but they should also come through unscathed.
Perhaps the greatest danger that Man City pose to those who face them is that they can score from several sources.
Phil Foden’s hat-trick against Brentford on Monday illustrated this rather acutely. And with Haaland making his way back to fitness, they can only get stronger – be sure of that.
Everton, who have drawn their last three league games, have put on some gritty performances in recent weeks, and they’ll be hoping for another such outing on the champions’ turf.
But make no mistake, it will not be easy, and Sean Dyche’s side will do well to leave with even a point.
Arsenal, coming off that famous win over the Reds last Sunday, could be in for another serious test.
This time, it will be away to West Ham United in what could be a fiery London derby.
David Moyes’ charges beat the Gunners soundly at the Emirates in December and will be keen on taking maximum points off their cross-town rivals when they travel to the London Stadium tomorrow.
Notwithstanding this, Arsenal do look a side all fired up and, in the zone, to have a real crack at the title.
They certainly overwhelmed the Reds in the first half, and when it mattered, they scored twice in the second period.
They are playing with much cohesion, something Mikel Arteta will be pleased about.
Noticeably, Bukayo Saka, skipper Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli weighed in with telling contributions against the Merseysiders and will be expected to deliver more of the same against the Hammers.
One feels that Arsenal will have to get “a result” tomorrow if they are to keep in touch with Liverpool and Guardiola’s ever-threatening City juggernaut.
Anything short of that might yet make them the topic of discussion.
