Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has described today’s clash with Chelsea at the Etihad as a final.
“It’s a final for us”, he said, “We have to play in that way. We have played one more game. But we cannot deny it. A few days ago we could be seven points behind.”
Liverpool reclaimed top spot after brushing aside AFC Bournemouth 3-0. Anything short of a win could spell doom for the Citizen’s title defense.
Similarly, Chelsea have lost their fourth place to Manchester United, who thrashed Fulham 3-0. A draw will bring the Blues level on points with United and will return Sarri’s men on the fourth place as they have superior goal difference.
Both sides are meeting for the third time this season and they will still meet again on February 24, for the Carabao Cup final. Their first meeting was the Community Shield and Manchester City ran away with a 2-0 victory. It was with the same score line that Chelsea won today’s reverse fixture in December.
In the other fixture, Tottenham Hotspur will hope to consolidate on their third spot with a victory over Leicester City.
Results from yesterday’s matches saw Crystal Palace and West Ham settle for a 1-1 draw while Arsenal defeated bottom placed Huddersfield 2-1.
