UCU Update The English Premier League championship race has reached a vital point, or “squeaky bum time,” in the words of legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. Manchester City’s 4-1 demolition of Liverpool has assured Pep Guardiola’s team is still in the running.
At the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, three second-half goals from City lifted the host club to a comfortable and well-deserved victory over a squad that had previously been City’s lone rival for the league crown
To finish in the top four, which the Reds must accomplish if they want to qualify for next season’s Champions League, Jurgen Klopp’s club will likely struggle. But, this season’s Liverpool team is far from the vintage of recent years.
Even without Erling Haaland, who had 42 goals, City was effective, scoring goals in response to Mohamed Salah’s first goal in the 17th minute from Julián lvarez, Kevin de Bruyne, Ilkay Gündogan, and the excellent Jack Grealish.
To stay ahead of league-leading Arsenal, City, the two-time defending champion, needed to win. The Gunners also had a straightforward victory on Saturday, defeating Leeds United 4-1 to hold onto their eight-point lead atop the standings.
The encounter between the two clubs at the Etihad on April 26 might be vital in the championship battle if both sides continue to play as they have been. After that game, City will have six games left and Arsenal five.