Liverpool v Man City: Is Anfield game win or bust for Pep Guardiola’s side?
As you can see above, City are no strangers to turning around troubles and winning the league.
In fact, in four of Guardiola’s six Premier League title seasons, they overturned a deficit of eight points or more.
Being able to bounce back from a string of poor results and start a winning streak, especially in the final stages of the campaign, means no one dares write them off in the title race.
But this time, history is not on their side. Statistically, an eight-point deficit felt okay, but coming from 11 points behind was something they’d never done before – and not many others had done it either.
Based on their current performance, serious questions are being raised.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman told BBC Radio 5 Live: “You know now if you can get a little momentum in a game you can actually beat Manchester City now. They conceded a goal , it looks like their doors are opening.”
“It seems to be a psychological issue. The game management doesn’t seem to be there. They keep making mistakes or leaving opportunities for the opponent.”
Former Blackburn forward Chris Sutton said Manchester City looked “fragile” and clearly “lacked belief”.
“Can they recover overall?” he added. “Maybe we’re at the stage where we’re looking at Manchester City and wondering if they can get their confidence back?”
It’s impossible to ignore the importance of injuries to Rodri, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kevin De Bruyne, Jack Grealish and even Oscar Bobb.
“Historically, you know City can do it, but they look so tired now,” said former Brighton striker Glenn Murray.
“The result[against Liverpool]will have a huge impact on the title race.”
Former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison says there is “no turning back” if Pep Guardiola’s side lose at Anfield, but a win would change that narrative.
“They are capable of a series of wins,” he added.
“If they can get the season back on track at Anfield then we’ll all change our tune and say they’re back. It’s a huge pressure game for City.”
Guardiola Has committed to the club for the next two years But if City are to have any chance of lifting an unprecedented fifth consecutive trophy in May, he must complete one of his greatest feats.
