Liverpool will be keeping a close eye on the Etihad on Sunday as its two title rivals go head-to-head. The Reds take on Brighton at Anfield earlier in the day, knowing they cannot afford to slip up before Arsenal takes on Manchester City.
Arsenal go into the weekend top of the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool only on goal difference with City just a point behind. The table could have a completely different look come Sunday evening and victory for Liverpool could put it right back in pole position.
All three sides have 10 games to go, including this weekend’s matches, with difficult fixtures ahead. The title contenders also have to deal with European demands with Liverpool still in the Europa League and Arsenal and City in the Champions League last eight.
Winning a second Premier League title would be the fitting end to Jürgen Klopp’s Anfield tenure as he prepares to depart this summer. But Alan Shearer believes Klopp’s exit could inadvertently add extra pressure on his players.
He told The Athletic: “It won’t be perfection for City, Liverpool and Arsenal over the next two months because life is rarely like that. It’s about learning to live with those hiccups — it’s not the end of the world, so you move on.
“Each of them has its own motivations and contexts. Liverpool has won it once under Klopp, in a season extended and affected by Covid-19, and is desperate to add another before the manager leaves. Does that propel them or smother them?”
Shearer went on to suggest Arsenal has the toughest fixtures in the run-in and could also be hindered by the desire to end a long wait for the title. He believes champions City are poised to strike again.
The ex-England striker added: “My instinct is to make City favorites to win it now, even though they’re third in the table, a point behind the other two. City is familiar with this position. No side has ever won four consecutive Premier League titles but the track record they have is precious.
“If you’ve done it before, you understand defeat isn’t a disaster; you trust yourself and each other and draw upon your knowledge. If you’re new to it or less versed in it, hesitation can fester.”
Liverpool.com says: The Reds’ players have made no secret of their desire to win the title for the departing manager. That does bring added pressure but you would expect that drive to work in Liverpool’s favor. All three sides do have pitfalls despite their remarkable recent form and there will be plenty more twists and turns before the season ends.
