Manchester City now holds the keys to a fourth consecutive Premier League title

After their 5-1 win over Luton Town yesterday, Manchester City heaped pressure on to title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal. Following today’s results at Anfield and the Emirates Stadium, one thing has become abundantly clear. Manchester City now holds the keys in this season’s Premier League title race.

Pep Guardiola’s side yesterday laid down the challenge to their title rivals. While their win over Luton Town at the Etihad Stadium wasn’t unexpected, it briefly gave the champions the initiative in the title race. The win moved Manchester City to the top of the Premier League with Liverpool and Arsenal, both having to wait 24 hours to respond. City’s title rivals both failed to issue a retort as they fell to losses at home to Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, respectively. This weekend’s results now see’s the treble winners sit two points clear at the top of the table with 6 games to go in the Premier League season.

Mentality and pressure are important ingredients of every title race. Pep Guardiola’s teams mentality has kept them in the title race this season. At times, they have appeared to be running on fumes as they have battled fatigue due to a heavy schedule. But now they hold the keys to this season’s title race. The champions also have  history in their sights as they bid to win an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title. Given how hard they’ve fought to get into that position, they will fight tooth and nail to maintain their hold on to top spot on the run home.

Liverpool and Arsenal’s results today have given Manchester City the momentum and initiative in the title race. It is a position Pep Guardiola’s side knows well. Liverpool and Arsenal both failed to deal with the pressure applied by the world champions, and it may become telling at the end of the season.

There will no doubt be twists and turns in this season’s title race. Today’s results haven’t won Manchester City the Premier League, but it’s handed them the initiative in the title race. There are 6 games to go, and all three of the title contenders face tricky fixtures on the way home. But now Manchester City holds the keys to a fourth consecutive Premier League title. As the final straight appears into view, Manchester City now have their noses in front. Given how hard Pep Guardiola’s side has had to fight to gain pole position, they may be given a lift to finish the job in the final 6 games of the season.

You can also hear the thoughts of Esteemed Kompany host Steven Mcinerney on today’s results in the video below. He gives thoughts on what they mean for the title race and more in the video below.