Manchester City head to Anfield this weekend with their season balanced on a knife edge, knowing that anything less than victory could all but end their ambitions of retaining the Premier League crown.
The Cityzens have rarely looked so vulnerable under Pep Guardiola, and a run of indifferent results has allowed Arsenal to seize control of the title race. What once appeared a routine pursuit has turned into a desperate chase.
City’s stumble has been dramatic. Only one victory from their previous six league matches has drained momentum from a side usually renowned for relentless consistency.
The latest setback came in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, a game in which Guardiola’s men held a commanding two-goal advantage before allowing Spurs to fight back.
The dropped points felt like more than a single misstep; it was another sign of a team struggling to rediscover its usual authority.
Arsenal, by contrast, have surged with confidence. Their comfortable 4-0 success over Leeds United extended the gap at the summit to six points and reinforced the impression that Mikel Arteta’s young side are ready to go the distance.
With the Gunners preparing to face Sunderland at the Emirates, there is every chance that the lead could stretch to nine points before City even step onto the Anfield turf.
Such a scenario would transform Sunday’s fixture into something close to a must-win mission.
Also, trips to Liverpool have rarely been kind to Manchester City, even during their most dominant years. Anfield remains one of the few grounds where Guardiola’s brilliance has often been blunted by atmosphere and history.
City have managed only a single victory in their past 22 visits, a statistic that underlines the size of the task awaiting them.
Liverpool may not be the irresistible force that swept to the league title under Arne Slot last season, but they retain enough quality to trouble any opponent on home soil.
Jurgen Klopp’s successor has endured a turbulent campaign, yet the Reds have shown flashes of the intensity and belief that made them champions. For City, facing them at such a delicate moment only heightens the tension.
Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole has voiced what many observers are beginning to think: defeat for the Sky Blues would effectively close the door on their title challenge.
The gap to Arsenal would be daunting, and the psychological blow potentially even greater. Speaking about the significance of the contest, Cole was blunt in his assessment.
“It would be the final nail in the coffin,” Cole told Paddy Power.
‘This is a huge game. This is one of the first massive title run in games.”
His words capture the mood surrounding the fixture. Unlike earlier meetings in the season, this encounter carries the weight of consequence.
There is little room for recovery, and Guardiola is well aware that the margin for error has almost disappeared.
“The importance of winning this game is vital. If they don’t win this game, I think I’d be telling everyone it’s Arsenal’s league now!”
- Guardiola fires warning to Man City stars, reveals what he wants against Liverpool
- Guardiola declares player ready to face Liverpool, gives injury update
His verdict reflects a growing consensus that the title could effectively be decided in early spring rather than the traditional late-season finale.
Guardiola must therefore find a way to steady his team quickly. Tactical adjustments, renewed defensive discipline and sharper finishing will all be required.
More than anything, City need to rediscover the mentality that has delivered four titles in five seasons – the belief that no challenge is beyond them.
Sunday’s encounter promises to be a defining moment. Victory would breathe life back into City’s pursuit and remind Arsenal that the Cityzens are not finished yet.
Defeat, however, could leave Guardiola contemplating an unaccustomed role as spectator in a title race he has dominated for so long.
