Pep Guardiola issued a warning to the current Premier League leaders Liverpool after Manchester City’s successful return to domestic action on Wednesday night following their Club World Cup win. City rallied from a goal down at halftime to defeat Everton 3-1 at Goodison Park, benefiting from a contentious penalty decision against Amadou Onana for a handball.
This outcome brings the champions within five points of Liverpool with a game in hand. Guardiola intends to remind the challengers of their throne about the standards they must uphold, considering City’s success in securing five of the last six league titles.
Speaking after City’s comeback victory against Everton, Guardiola stated, “That’s why we are the world champion, the best team of the world. Now I’m going to remind them every day. We have standards to keep. We cannot let the standards go down.”
City remains a favorite for many to win another Premier League title, especially with Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne returning from injury. They have a history of extended winning streaks in previous seasons’ latter stages. However, this season presents a unique challenge with Liverpool as a direct competitor. Jurgen Klopp’s team has been the only other side to claim domestic supremacy since 2017, often pushing Guardiola’s squad until the final day.
No other team has consistently challenged City during Guardiola’s tenure at the Etihad Stadium, and Liverpool has exhibited their resilience numerous times this term, occasionally bouncing back even with 10 men.
Liverpool anticipates City’s acceleration in form after January, having experienced their potent late-season surges in the past. However, they are ready to match City’s challenge as both teams prepare for a possible surge in the new year.
