Statement win for Pep’s men at Anfield, but Arsenal still hold the cards

THE title race is still on, as Manchester City won for the third time at Anfield, marking the first time in a very long time with crowds in the stands.

The previous win at Anfield under Pep Guardiola was during the Covid-19 pandemic.

City achieved the victory this time despite a spectacular free-kick from Liverpool’s Dominik Szoboslai. A lightning-in-the-bottle moment to a title contender coming to Anfield but this time, it was City who came out victorious.

City showed a lot of fight after trailing behind and turned the game around in the span of 10 minutes. City normally played poorly in second halves or when going behind, but it seems Guardiola has found the formula to reignite the title race.

Marc Guehi probably had his best game for the team and was instrumental in keeping the score to a minimum.

As for Liverpool, more scrutiny will be on Arne Slot as his squad failed to manage the game and missed many chances. Many will question the man marking implemented by Slot.

Next week’s game against Sunderland is crucial for Slot if he wants to save the season. Right now, it is about the fight for a Champions League spot.

Arsenal are now six points clear of their title rivals, as playing first helps to ease the pressure on the players.

The defeat against Manchester United came at the right time and has helped Mikel Arteta’s men to embrace the pressure instead of succumbing to it.

The return of Kai Havertz has helped provide some creativity in the final third. Supported by both Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, Havertz at times looks like a traditional number 10, and his return from injury has unlocked the full potential of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swede looks like a player transformed with Havertz playing behind him. Gyokeres’ good scoring run came at the right time as the Gunners looked to build a double-digit lead going into squeaky bum time. The only thing that can stop this Arsenal squad from winning it all is themselves.

While both City and Villa are hitting some bumps, a team that the Gunners should fear the most is the in-form Manchester United.

United are now one win away from a consecutive five in a row. A streak that the club did not achieve under the previous manager.

The club also have not beaten Tottenham Hotspur since 2022, and with this new belief, United secured a 2-0 victory to inflict further damage on Thomas Frank.

With the Spurs’ injury list continuing to grow, Frank will have limited senior players to choose from, as Christian Romero got sent off for a red card offence.

Talk about kicking someone when he is down. The North London derby could spell doom for Frank.

The feel-good factor is definitely back at Old Trafford, and United could make a late run with both City and Villa being inconsistent. It is a good way to build on for the following season.

Surprisingly, all of these were achieved with the same set of players that could not even string five passes together under the old manager.

Chelsea continued their good form in the Premier League with another victory courtesy of a hattrick by Cole Palmer. Liam Rosenir’s men are slowly closing the gap on the team that are occupying the automatic Champions League spot. This young manager is showing that he is more than capable in this league.

Keith Andrews should be in the running for manager of the year with the work he has done with Brentford. Fresh from the victory at Villa Park, the Bees collected another scalp by beating the Magpies at St. James Park.

Two back-to-back victories in a tough stadium. This is from a manager who got his coaching licence a few days before the season started. Definitely a manager punching above his weight.

Not a good week for Eddie Howe as his quest to close the gap on the fourth spot hit another roadblock. Even the return of his Captain Marvel could not assist the black and whites to victory.

It is now back to the drawing board for Howe. If only the team could replicate their European form in their domestic league.

West Ham are slowly making a late surge to escape the relegation zone. A 2-0 victory against Burnley has closed the gap with Nottingham Forest to just three points.

The Nottingham club suffered a defeat in the relegation six-pointer against Leeds in the late game on Friday.

The title race is still on, and Arsenal have to look at their rearview mirror to keep City at bay.

City need to build on the big win at Anfield and go on a run. Something of the City of old. As for the Gunners, they just have to remain calm and play without feeling pressured.