With 2023/24 turning into a three-horse race rather than a comfortable and traditional gallop towards the finish line for Pep Guardiola’s side, Manchester City have found themselves needing a helping hand again now and again of late.
And they certainly got a few of those this week.
A 4-1 hammering of Brighton and Hove Albion gift-wrapped and presented with a neat little bow by Roberto de Zerbi’s error-prone side came 24 hours after title-rivals Liverpool stumbled at the home of their fired-up Merseyside neighbours.
Jurgen Klopp’s last ever visit to Goodison Park coincided with his first ever defeat at Goodison Park, Sean Dyche swapping his blazer and tie for a tracksuit and delivering a British bulldog display complete with a pair of set-piece goals.
Pep Guardiola loved Jordan Pickford’s Everton heroics
The rock-solid displays of defensive quartet James Tarkowski, Ben Godfrey, Vitaliy Mykolenko and Jarrad Branthwaite – scorer of Everton’s first goal – kept Liverpool at arms’ length. But, on the rare occasions that Klopp’s side did break through, then there was Jordan Pickford, arms outstretched and rushing off his line to deny Luis Diaz and the much-maligned Darwin Nunez from point-blank range.
And while Guardiola was understandably delighted to see Liverpool drop three vital points, the Man City boss is keen to point out that his side could face a similar challenge up against another relegation battler in Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
“Everton are playing to stay out of the relegation zone. In a similar game, we’re going to Nottingham Forest who are playing for their lives (this weekend),” the Spaniard said after that Phil Foden-inspired hammering of Brighton at The Amex.
“Maybe because they were a real contender for many years, my appreciation for Liverpool is higher than ever.”
Liverpool have now won only one of their last four league matches, made to pay for a host of wasted chances against both Manchester United and Crystal Palace too before Pickford overtook City’s Ederson into second in the Golden Glove race.
Manchester City move clear of Liverpool in title race
“The game they drew at Old Trafford, the chances they missed. Pickford was exceptional with two or three saves in the important moments,” Guardiola adds. “The game against Crystal Palace, the chances they missed…
“Tell me a reason why (this is happening to Liverpool), I’ll tell you; It’s football. I can give you a lot of examples for my team too.
“But (the chance to win the league) is still there because I know the character of Liverpool. They will fight until the end and we have to do it too.”
Liverpool face another tough test on Saturday lunchtime, albeit against a West Ham United side in dismal form themselves. HITC understands that David Moyes’ future remains up in the air, with The Hammers having held talks with a number of potential replacements including former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui and one-time Liverpool target Rubem Amorim.
West Ham are also admirers of Feyenoord coach Arne Slot. The Dutchman appears to be closing in on that coveted Anfield hotseat, however, after confirming his interest in the post on Thursday.
“The only thing I can say about it is that the clubs are in negotiations,” Slot told ESPN on Thursday. “And then you sit in the waiting room and wait for what will come out. It seems clear to me that I would like to go to Liverpool.
“Now I am waiting to see whether the clubs reach an agreement. I have every confidence in that.
“The clubs have to do their job and then I am waiting. And, as the ‘main character’, I have to respect that. It will undoubtedly become clear in the coming days. It’s no secret that I want to go to Liverpool.”