Given the fierce rivalry that has grown between Liverpool and Manchester City over the past decade, it might come as a surprise to see Pep Guardiola publicly defending the Reds — but that’s exactly what happened today.
City moved above the reigning champions in the Premier League table last weekend and now sit closest to leaders Arsenal, while Arne Slot’s Liverpool have seen their title hopes shaken by three consecutive league defeats.
However, after their morale-boosting 5–1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, another victory at Brentford on Saturday night would put the Merseysiders just a single point behind Arsenal — at least temporarily.
Guardiola backs Liverpool in title race discussion
Speaking to the press ahead of City’s clash with Aston Villa on Sunday, Guardiola was asked whether his side were being overlooked in the title race amid the growing media spotlight on Liverpool and Arsenal.
The 54-year-old responded with trademark sarcasm (via Man City’s official YouTube channel):
> “After two or three games we were already out, and now it looks like Liverpool are finished. But trust me, they’ll be back.”
He continued:
> “I’ve said many times that pundits and former players always seem to know everything after just five games — I don’t. I prefer to wait 10 or 15 matches before judging who’s really in it. Liverpool and Arsenal are there, someone else will come up, and hopefully we’ll be there too.”
Why Guardiola is right not to dismiss Liverpool
While momentum may have swung toward Arsenal recently, it’s far too early to rule anyone out. Some pundits, like Jamie Carragher, have questioned Liverpool’s ability to retain the title unless they tighten their defense — having already conceded 11 league goals — while Paul Merson even suggested that Arsenal could “run away” with the title before the new year.
But Guardiola’s point stands: with only eight games played, the Premier League race is still wide open. By the next international break in November, we’ll have a clearer picture of who the genuine contenders are.
Liverpool have an early chance to respond this weekend — their rescheduled 8 p.m. kickoff at Brentford means they’ll play before both Arsenal and City. A win would pile pressure on their rivals and send a message that the champions aren’t going away quietly.
For perspective, at this same stage last season, Liverpool were one point behind City after a draw with Arsenal. Just two months later, they led the table by seven points — and were 15 clear of Guardiola’s men.
If history tells us anything, it’s this: never count Liverpool out of a title race.
Leave a Reply