Ilkay Gundogan has acknowledged that Manchester City’s Premier League title ambitions could effectively end if they suffer defeat against league leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
City’s current form is a far cry from their usual dominance. Tuesday’s shocking 3-3 draw with Feyenoord in the Champions League saw Pep Guardiola’s side squander a three-goal lead — a first in the manager’s 942-game career. This result marked City’s sixth consecutive match without a win across all competitions, including three straight Premier League losses.
The defending champions, who have won the last four Premier League titles, now find themselves eight points adrift of Liverpool, who remain unbeaten under Arne Slot’s management. Guardiola admitted that another loss could all but end City’s hopes of retaining the title following their heavy 4-0 defeat to Tottenham last week.
Gundogan echoed his manager’s concerns after the Feyenoord collapse. “To stay in the title race, probably yes, it’s a game we can’t afford to lose because 11 points would be a huge gap,” the German international said.
Reflecting on the challenge, Gundogan added, “Anfield is always tough, no matter the situation. We’ve struggled there in recent years, and Liverpool are full of confidence right now. It’s going to be as tough as it gets, but that’s our reality. This season seems to be the hardest path we’ve faced.”
City will need a monumental performance at Anfield to keep their title hopes alive and reverse their worrying slide in form.
