Liverpool registered sweet revenge over Manchester City after they lost the Capital One Cup final to them a few days ago.
The loss for City means they are now level on points with neighbours Manchester United with a game in hand, only edging the Red Devils on goal difference. Liverpool moved up the table and are now in eighth position, six points behind a Champions League spot.
There was plenty to talk about after the full time whistle. Are City’s title chances dead and buried?
READ MORE: EPL – What We Learned – Liverpool 3 Manchester City 0
City out of the title race?
With only 11 league games remaining for City, it is difficult to say they still stand a chance to win the league. All of the top four teams dropped points this matchday, with leaders Leicester City the only one of the four to avoid defeat. The Foxes extended their lead to three points over second-placed Spurs, six points over Arsenal and 10 over fourth-placed City.
The Citizens now face an extremely difficult task to win the title and many would agree that they are no longer a favourite. They will have to be dependent on the teams above them to slip up, which is not impossible.
Even if they do not win the league this year, it is not all lost for the Sky Blues. They remain in the Champions League mix after being all but guaranteed progression into the quarter-finals thanks to an impressive first leg performance against Dynamo Kyiv. Having already claimed the Capital One Cup, Manuel Pellegrini will now turn his focus towards winning the Champions League.
Liverpool show their quality
It is fair to say that Liverpool have endured a rocky path under Jurgen Klopp. Since the German’s arrival, his team has played some sublime football on occasions but has chalked up some forgetful performances. In the 19 league games that Klopp has managed, Liverpool have only won eight of them and have lost six times.
But the Reds have upped their game in the recent weeks and have kept back-to-back clean sheets in the league for only the third time this season. There is no doubt about the quality present in this Liverpool side and Klopp now seems to be getting the best out of them. They are still in with a good chance to finish in the top four but they must continue this form for the rest of the season. Klopp also has a shot at winning the Europa League and will now face Manchester United in the next round.
A bitter loss to Manchester City on penalties in the League Cup could have easily dampened their spirits but Klopp looks to have steadied the ship as he prepares his team for a tough task ahead.
Roberto Firmino continues his fine form
A special mention must be given to Firmino who has easily been Liverpool’s best player since the turn of the year. The Brazillian had a tough time settling into England but has now found his feet. He initially struggled to get into the first team under Brendan Rodgers, starting only thrice and failing to score or assist during that period. Since Klopp took over, the 24-year-old looks like a completely new player and the recent weeks have seen him play some outstanding football.
He has scored six in his last seven league games while also managing four assists. His ability to play as a striker and an attacking midfielder has shown his versatility and has surely added a positive spark to his side.
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