Liverpool’s celebrations short-lived after Man City’s victory over Brighton

This will not be the week where Liverpool actually takes charge of the title race because of a Manchester City slip. Like Jurgen Klopp’s men put in a foolproof 4-0 exhibition against bitter rivals Manchester United, so did Pep Guardiola’s men answer back with a comfortable 3-0 display against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Reds enjoyed the top spot for no longer than 24 hours after City picked up another three points. In the Premier League, there is always hope that a mid-table team can have a say in a title race — especially a team coming off the back of a late, dramatic victory over an in-form Spurs the game before.

However, this time for all in the red corner,  it was non-existent. The Seagulls, as always, held off their opponents for an entire first half but couldn’t maintain the same resilience in the second half. The opener came in the 53rd minute of the match through a Riyad Mahrez special.

The second goal of the game came 12 minutes after through a freak deflection from a Phil Foden long shot. The win was then confirmed in the 82nd minute of the game through a sublime goal from the most hated man at Man City, Bernardo Silva.

One point is still the difference between Liverpool and Manchester City

The league table is now restored to Man City being one point clear of the Reds and no games in hand for either of the Premier League juggernauts. Judging by both teams’ form of late, this one will go down to the wire once again but hopefully this time it will not be the heartbreaking repeat of the 2018/19 campaign.

One point and a goalline decision was the difference back then and the reason for silver. Only six EPL games remaining and only 18 points left to collect presently. Looking at the six games left for each side, Liverpool’s run appears to be the more demanding of the two.

Both them and Manchester City only play two teams who sit in the top half of the table standings; City have West Ham United (7th place) and Wolves (8th place) whereas Liverpool have Tottenham (4th place) and Wolves but first a visit from down the way neighbours, Everton.

Pressure will be on Klopp and the Reds with City going first against a weak Watford side on the Saturday before the Sunday Anfield kickoff. Applying extra pressure is the thought of the quadruple — which is still alive.