Pep Guardiola has wasted no time in starting the mind games following a huge day of football on Sunday in the Premier League title race.
Liverpool returned to the top of the table with victory over Brighton at Anfield, while Manchester City and Arsenal played out a dull goalless draw at the Etihad shortly afterwards.
Jurgen Klopp’s side now find themselves two points clear at the summit with just nine games to play, with Opta having suggested that the Reds are favourites for the title after this weekend’s events.
However, there is almost a quarter of the season still to play, and Man City boss Guardiola has been quick to pile pressure on Liverpool with some classic mind games after his side drew with Arsenal.
PEP GUARDIOLA PUTS THE PRESSURE ON LIVERPOOL
Speaking in his post-match press conference at the Etihad on Sunday, Guardiola was asked about whether Liverpool were now favourites for the title after reclaiming their spot at the top of the table.
“Yes. Always who’s first is who’s favourite,” he replied. “The second favourite is Arsenal and the third [favourite] we are.
“It’s not in our hands, only thing we can do is [play] Aston Villa next game and try to win the game. That’s the only thing we can do because when we were top of the league [in the past], we were always favourites.
“It was in our hands, now it’s not. So, it’s simple.”
Given that Man City have won the last three Premier League titles and arguably have the easiest run of fixtures of any side left in the title race, it would seem foolish to discount Guardiola’s side – with many still viewing them as favourites for a fourth successive crown.
The Cityzens are only three points off Liverpool in top spot, while Arsenal are also well in the mix for the title come the end of the season.
