Former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna warned Liverpool that this season’s title race is far from over. The former French player declared that Man City will regain their form and fitness during the latter stages this season.
Liverpool have enjoyed a sensational start to the season, winning 15 of their 17 games in all competitions. The Reds have conceded only 10 goals, topping both the Premier League and Champions League tables with clinical efficiency.
Despite their dominance, Liverpool still have plenty of room for improvement, which is a hallmark of title-winning teams. Winning the winnable games despite not reaching their best is a key difference between a top team and the champions.
Arne Slot’s side has defeated Manchester United, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, AC Milan, Bayer Leverkusen, Brighton, and Aston Villa this season. However, Man City remain firmly in the title race and ready to regain their form after the November international break.
Pep Guardiola’s team endured an unprecedented four-game losing streak, largely due to the absence of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri. As injured players return, City are regaining strength and preparing for the season’s challenges to maintain their dominance.
Speaking to Mega Dice, former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Sagna warned Liverpool of the small and coverable five-point gap. He said:
“I think it’s too early to guess who’s going to be champion. Of course, Liverpool have some advantages, but you know City are specialists at closing the gap, so surely they’re going to come back into fitness and into form. Towards the end of [the] season, they’re going to put pressure on Liverpool. City didn’t have the greatest start. This is a big part of their life, but you know after being champions so many times – four times in a row – it’s always difficult because whenever you lose people withdraw. The team withdraws, the performances withdraw, the work ethic withdraws. Everyone starts saying that the team is gone, and their dominance is coming to an end. There is only a five-point difference between Liverpool and City. It’s only two games. So, City is far from out of the title race.”
While pundits predicted Arsenal as Man City’s primary challenger, Liverpool’s performances have exceeded expectations, proving many naysayers wrong. Many experts doubted the Reds’ ability to even secure a top-four finish, but the team has silenced their critics.
Despite the impressive start, Liverpool fans avoid placing unnecessary pressure on Slot’s squad, acknowledging the ongoing transition under the new coach. Slot and his team remain focused on managing challenges one game at a time, particularly with the demanding Champions League schedule.
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Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures include Real Madrid, City, and Newcastle United in a congested calendar, testing the squad’s depth and resolve. Liverpool have already proven their capability against elite teams, but the season’s toughest challenges lie ahead with no margin for error.
