Their latest trip won't win another just yet, but it could be the result that denies Liverpool a farewell crown for Jurgen Klopp.
In this three-horse title race, Liverpool have unseated themselves in recent weeks, with their manager and captain effectively conceding the title after a dismal derby defeat at Everton on Wednesday.
City pulled them up as they leapfrogged Liverpool into second, and have the momentum against leaders Arsenal with the home straight approaching.
After so much talk of tiredness and fixture scheduling, this was a performance that looked like City had all the time in the world to prepare for. They were well-drilled, hungry, and their press was excellent. They were everything Liverpool weren't the night before, and made a tricky Brighton side look ordinary.
Guardiola and his players had complained of tiredness and taken not-so subtle swipes at the FA for their scheduling of their Champions League and FA Cup games last week. Bernardo insisted it was not fair and the turnaround between games was putting players' health at risk.
They have a legitimate point, but the welfare issue was put into perspective by the appearance of Russ Cook ahead of kick-off, who has just run the length of Africa - what must he think of these Premier League players complaining of playing 180 minutes over three days. Thankfully, there were no fitness issues at the Amex.
Guardiola had a luxurious five days to prepare for this game after all, giving his squad two days off and then 'putting them in the fridge' before this Thursday night contest. On this basis, they might be heading back in there for the rest of the season.
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Denne historien er fra April 26, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
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'We must show personality and character'
LISANDRO Martinez has warned United’s players must show ‘personality and character’ in the coming weeks.
Any progress over the past few games has been brutally dismantled...
SEVERAL United supporters headed for the exit in the 64th minute after the ball zipped past Andre Onana for a third time. They had seen this before - just over a year ago.
'Inevitable ending' for Rashford's time at Reds
SKY Sports pundit and former United defender Gary Neville believes Marcus Rashford’s time at the club has an ‘inevitable ending’ after the forward was left out of Ruben Amorim’s matchday squad for a third consecutive game.
LEAKY ROOF INTERRUPTS AMORIM'S PRESS CALL
RUBEN Amorim's post-match press conference was interrupted by a leak in the ceiling yesterday.
WE DESERVE MORE FROM GAMES - MARTINEZ
LISANDRO Martinez believes United are ‘playing well’ and deserve more for their performances with Ruben Amorim in charge.
Boss refuses to blame United's set-piece coach
RUBEN Amorim admitted that United became nervous against Bournemouth from the moment they conceded a set-piece – and that the anxiety came from the stands as well as from the players.
'Everybody is so anxious, everyone in the club is tired of these moments'
RUBEN Amorim felt United were anxious from the first minute of their humbling by Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
City's 'low confidence' key for Villa
ASTON Villa manager Unai Emery has admitted his side felt they could take advantage of City’s lack of confidence during their 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s side on Saturday.
'We are not solid on the ball, we are not creating much and that defines the team at this moment'
CITY'S woeful run of form continued as the Blues slumped to a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime.
FURY DECISION IS JUST 'NUTS'
PROMOTER Frank Warren was quick to express his dismay following Tyson Fury’s unanimous points loss to world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in Riyadh, describing the scoring as ‘nuts’.
