JUST as we had hinted that Tottenham were Manchester City’s woe, they have taken the six points off their two encounters, accounted for two of City’s three losses this EPL season – more importantly they have opened up the League for more competition.
The biggest beneficiaries are Liverpool who are practically breathing on City’s neck. They are all getting closer with every game while City’s records are being shredded, their sure-footedness wobbles – their confidence is in doubt.
For once, in a long time, the competition is back, the table shows a lot of possibilities, and the debates on who will win the League have returned.
Did one match achieved all these?
We have Tottenham to thank for changing the face of the League. Their victory over City, the consistence of Liverpool, have all contributed to the threat City faces. Liverpool are more emphatic. Their 6-0 defeat of Leeds United in a week that City slipped narrowed the gap to only three points. They can do more in their title chase.
It would seem that the title dispute is essentially between Liverpool and City.
Chelsea are paying heavily for their clumsy start of the season. They are 10 points behind City, seven points from Liverpool who are in formidable form again with the return of the duo of Sadio Mané and Mo Salah from AFCON in Cameroun.
The much-anticipated return leg between Liverpool and City would be on 10 April. By then the league would be in the closing stages. Who knows, it could still be the game to decide the direction of the title.
City against Everton would have been the type of game that would consolidate City at the top. But anything can happen at this point in the league. The pressure is high on City. If they lose, they could have commenced a dangerous descent out of title contention.
Another important game would e Chelsea-Leicester. On paper it should be Chelsea’s to fend off the surge from ambitious Manchester United who are four points adrift. United are paired against Watford whose efforts to exit relegation have been woeful.
West Ham and Wolves are in the battle for the sixth place. A Wolves’ win will earn them the sixth place. If Ham win, it would be uncomfortable for Arsenal.
Of interest in the relegation area is the spirited fight that Burnley have put up in their last two games, taking the six points. They are clawing out of danger. Will they continue the move up against Crystal Palace?
Enjoy a football-filled week. Sunday is the final of the EFL Cup. Liverpool and Chelsea are the contenders for the Cup. Their coaches will have to choose wisely between the game and the other competitions ahead in making their team selections.
Fixtures
Friday 25 February
20:00 Southampton v Norwich
Saturday 26 February
12:30 Leeds v Spurs
Brentford v Newcastle
Brighton v Aston Villa
Chelsea v Leicester
Crystal Palace v Burnley
Man Utd v Watford
West Ham v Wolves
Everton v Man City
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