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Liverpool has been warned that Manchester City is “back to its best” ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting.
The Reds make the trip to the Etihad Stadium this weekend in their final game before the international break, having finally returned to winning ways in the past week. Arne Slot’s side has been revitalized after back-to-back victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, having lost six of its previous seven games.
City has also looked impressive over the past few days, having scored seven goals in wins over Bournemouth and Borussia Dortmund to send a strong message ahead of Sunday’s game.
Erling Haaland, in particular, has looked in imperious form. The Norwegian scored his 18th goal of the season against Dortmund on Wednesday, having played just 14 games so far this season.
And former City and Manchester United star Owen Hargreaves believes Pep Guardiola’s side is close to its peak again after its downturn last season.
“I think he [Guardiola] knows his team is getting back to its best,” Hargreaves told TNT Sports.
“I think it helps having [Gianluigi] Donnarumma in goal and [Erling] Haaland at the top of the pitch, but it just feels like they’ve got these brilliant little players, [Rayan] Cherki coming on and scoring a fabulous goal, him and [Phil] Foden are going to be some fun supporting Haaland.
“I think he’s got a great squad again this season. I think last year all the injuries, Rodri, and then the confidence went down, all of a sudden I think they’re slowly building, doing well in the Champions League, second in the Premier League, obviously got a big game [against Liverpool], if they win that then it’s game on for everything.”
Not only does Hargreaves think City’s return to form could be a warning for Liverpool, but he has also suggested that current Premier League leader Arsenal could also be in trouble.
“I think as great as Arsenal are, they haven’t done it, they haven’t won it yet, and they’re getting there, they’re going to win it eventually,” Hargreaves added.
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“But the last team you want chasing you is these guys, they’ve been there and done it for such a long time, the players and the manager.
“But I think they’ve put themselves in a great position, Arsenal, but this City team are going to chip away quietly.
“And if they can get Rodri back into the mix with this team, with what they have, then it will be a fascinating title race.”
Rodri’s fitness is indeed a concern for City again after being left out of the squad by Guardiola against Dortmund. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner returned from injury from the bench against Bournemouth, although it appears he might be a doubt to face Liverpool on Sunday.
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