Manchester City's hope of completing a possible quadruple this season were kept alive last night as they came out on top against Liverpool in a thrilling Carabao Cup tie.
There were five goals at the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola's side secured their place in the quarter-finals. After Fabio Carvalho cancelled out Erling Haaland's in the first half, the second half provided three goals in the space of 11 minutes as Nathan Ake's winner sent the Citizens through.
The win means City go into the new year participating in four different competitions. Alongside their ongoing title race with Arsenal, they will start their FA Cup journey on Sunday January 8 against Chelsea before resuming their Champions League campaign against German side Red Bull Leipzig in February.
READ MORE: How Pep Guardiola used Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to improve Barcelona and Bayern Munich
However, competing in maximum competitions comes with its downfalls and provides the Gunners' league rivals a disadvantage that Mikel Arteta's side fortunately will not face. Between now and the end of January, City have seven games scheduled while Arsenal only have six.
Following their win over Liverpool, they will face Southampton in the quarter-final on the week commencing Monday January 9. The tie will take place in-between two huge clashes against Chelsea in the FA Cup and the second Manchester derby of the season against Manchester United.
The week after their quarter-final against Nathan Jones' side, they host Tottenham Hotspur in a daunting run of fixtures across 14 days. For Arsenal, the fixture list provides much lighter reading following their exit in the tournament before the World Cup.
After facing League one side Oxford United in the FA Cup on Monday January 9, the Gunners will have six days off before a mouth-watering north London derby against Spurs. With Arteta's side already holding a five-point lead, City's tough fixtures in the new year could play a vital role in the title race.
READ NEXT:
Kylian Mbappe's 63-hour message to William Saliba hands Arsenal boost ahead of West Ham
Gabriel Martinelli 'close' to signing new Arsenal contract triggers stunning Bukayo Saka theory
The three things that must happen when Arsenal face West Ham in Premier League return
Arsenal to avoid naming Mykhaylo Mudryk in Premier League squad if £40m transfer is completed
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: The latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
