The Premier League title race could take a dramatic turn this weekend, as Joe Cole believes that a loss for Manchester City against Liverpool at Anfield would all but end their hopes of retaining the crown.
The former Chelsea star argues that falling 11 points behind Arne Slot’s high-flying Reds would be too steep a hill to climb, even for Pep Guardiola’s formidable side.
Speaking to Mail Sport, Cole didn’t hold back: “If they lose this weekend, I think they are out of the title race. Eleven points is just too much, even for this great side.” His comments highlight the magnitude of City’s recent struggles, with Guardiola’s men winless in their last six matches across all competitions—a run that has left even the most ardent supporters scratching their heads.
The Collapse: A Crisis Unfolding
City’s recent woes culminated in a midweek meltdown against Feyenoord, where they squandered a 3-0 lead to settle for a 3-3 draw. Guardiola, visibly agitated on the touchline, now faces one of the toughest tests of his managerial career. Despite their dominance in recent years, winning six of the last seven Premier League titles, this slump has raised serious questions about their ability to bounce back.
Joe Cole, however, remains confident that Guardiola can turn things around: “He’s revolutionized football at its core and always finds solutions. I’m excited to see how he navigates this challenge.” While the absence of Rodri has been pinpointed as a key issue, Cole believes that blaming one player might be an oversimplification. Instead, he suggests a broader issue with the team’s physicality and mentality.
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The Liverpool Challenge
The clash against Liverpool is more than just a regular fixture—it’s a potential season-defining showdown. A win for Liverpool would extend their lead at the top and send a clear message to their rivals. For City, it’s about survival in the title race. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Cole knows it: “It’s what makes this game fascinating. Liverpool are coming off a great win, and it’s going to be a fantastic game.”
Anfield has always been a fortress, and with Liverpool in scintillating form, City will need to summon every ounce of their championship pedigree to come away with a result.
Chelsea in the Mix?
While much of the focus is on City and Liverpool, Cole sees another contender emerging: Chelsea. Under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have surprised many and currently sit third, just a point behind City. Cole believes Chelsea’s ability to close the gap before the New Year could put them in contention for a title push.
“If they’re within six points after Christmas, they can mount a challenge,” Cole said. He credits Chelsea’s participation in the Europa Conference League as a key factor in their domestic success, allowing for squad rotation and keeping players fresh.
Tactical Mastermind: Pep’s Next Move
Despite City’s recent struggles, Cole is adamant that Guardiola’s competitive spirit will drive him to find a solution. The Spaniard’s tactical genius has been the bedrock of City’s success, and Cole believes his recent contract extension is a sign that he’s ready for the fight ahead.
“When you’re a competitor like Pep, you want to prove yourself. I think he wants to show he can navigate this club out of this predicament.”
Guardiola’s next moves will be scrutinized more than ever, especially with Liverpool’s relentless form and Chelsea’s resurgence under Maresca.
A Defining Moment in the Premier League
The weekend’s clash at Anfield is more than just a game—it’s a litmus test for Manchester City’s title credentials. Cole’s prediction may sound bold, but the numbers don’t lie. Falling 11 points behind at this stage of the season would be a monumental setback, even for a team as decorated as City.
The question now is whether Guardiola can reignite the spark that has made his side the dominant force in English football. With the eyes of the footballing world on Anfield, the pressure is palpable, and only time will tell if City can rise to the occasion.
For now, all roads lead to Liverpool, where the fate of Manchester City’s season might just be decided.