Manchester City are no longer favourites to win the Premier League title for the first time this season after a goalless draw with Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s side couldn’t find a breakthrough against the Gunners at the Etihad Stadium. As a result of the draw, City find themselves three points behind Jurgen Klopp’s side in the table after they came from behind to beat Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 at Anfield.
With nine games left until the end of the season, there are still 27 points to play for, but as a result of the draw, the Blues’ title chances have significantly dropped. According to Opta, the statistical data specialists, City’s title chances dropped from 45.9% to 33.5% on Sunday.
With City’s chances dropping by 12.4%, that is the exact amount by which Liverpool’s increased, meaning that Jurgen Klopp’s side are now placed with a 47.7% chance to lift the trophy.
This is the lowest City’s title chances have been all campaign. On the other hand, there have been no changes to Arsenal’s percentage. It remains at 18.8%, but more twists and turns are expected between now and May.
Speaking after the draw against the Gunners, Pep Guardiola said: “Arsenal is an exceptional team, well managed and the players are good [but] my point of view still we are the team. Many things we can be better, but I am satisfied.
“I said to the team, don’t be sad. I know my players, how they behave, and they tried it. I give credit to Arsenal. We want to win but we are there. It was a battle. It was a tight game [but] I see the way they train.
“[Are Liverpool now favourites?] Yes. Always who is first is favourite. Second favourite is Arsenal. Third we are. It’s not in our hands. When we were top we were favourites because it was in our hands but now it is not.”
