Pep Guardiola is facing the toughest challenge of his managerial career. The manager still has hope to “fight until the last day.” Can they catch Liverpool?
In top-flight seasons, Guardiola has won titles across Europe’s major leagues. He has never had to overcome a gap as large as 11 points. The current margin between Liverpool and Manchester City, the defending Champions seems to be large.
He said, “We have to win games. When we don’t win, it will be more difficult.”
The Spaniard managed to overturn a 10-point gap last season as City hunted down Liverpool to win the Premier League title.
With 24 more games to go, have City already left themselves with too much to do?
“Liverpool looks like the title-winning side.”
Liverpool has dropped two points only all season. Therefore, City needs Liverpool to have a poor run of form.
The Reds dropped 13 points in the last 32 top-flight games even though they have not kept a clean sheet since September 28.
“They looked like a real title-winning team to me.” Said, Phil Neville
“At this stage of the season, sometimes performances don’t matter.”
“When you see the result up at St. James’ Park earlier in the day, it was a must-win game for Liverpool to extend the lead.”
Is it a critical December?
Much has been made of Liverpool’s hectic schedule between now and the start of 2020.
Liverpool faces nine games on four different competitions. Included is a trip to Qatar to play two fixtures at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Yet, Manchester City themselves have a tough December too. The club has eight matches in three different competitions. Included are the two Premier League games in 48 hours against Wolves and Sheffield United.
“We fight until the last day”
Liverpool led City by nine points after 5-1 win over Arsenal on 29th December last year. Yet, Guardiola’s side managed to overturn the deficit in the last 19 matches.
“The chase is still on. We fight until the last day.” Said defiant City and England defender, John Stones after the Newcastle game.
The statement assumes the title battle goes as far as the final day of the season.
“Liverpool can win games playing badly. City played badly today but could not win.” Said Garth Crooks.
Klopp’s side scored twice in the closing stages at Aston Villa to win 2-1 on 2nd November. Additionally, the club scored a late winner at Crystal Palace on 23rd November.
City has failed to hang on to leads in three of their last five league and cup games.
On the other hand, Neville believes the way Liverpool keeps going until the end could be a critical difference.
“He said, “There are a lot of teams at the top who are looking tired. Then you look at Liverpool and the way they came back to win late at Crystal palace.”