Man City are back on top – and the question now is whether anyone can knock them off their perch.
Liverpool have the chance on Saturday when they face Bournemouth at Anfield – but based on the past week, that is by no means a given.
It all seemed to become too real for Jurgen Klopp’s side once they saw the finishing line in sight. Back-to-back draws against Leicester and West Ham raising serious doubts about their title credentials.
There are only so many times you can let this City team off the hook.
It what looks like a pivotal week of the season, Pep Guardiola’s men are two thirds of the way through, with maximum points so far.
Chelsea are still to come on Sunday, but this 2-0 win against Everton – after Sunday’s demolition of Arsenal – has reinstalled the reigning Premier League champions as the team to beat.
The table has a familiar look about it.
And an ominous one as far as Liverpool are concerned.
To put this game into context, City were bang average by their high standards.
Their attacks lacked fluidity and speed. Against a dogged Everton they were short of invention – short on confidence in the final third.
Seven days ago we could have been seven points behind. Now we are top. What is the lesson? Never give up."
Too often there was that extra touch that is nowhere to be seen when they are in full flow.
But this is the type of game that champions win.
Not dissimilar to, say, West Ham away – or Leicester at home.
Where Liverpool blinked, City got over the line.
A headed goal from Aymeric Laporte – meeting David Silva’s free kick on the stroke of half time – put them ahead after a sluggish 45 minutes.
Substitute Gabriel Jesus then headed in at the second time of asking in the 97th minute as City’s voluble travelling fans were clearly feeling the nerves.
This title race is far from over – and by the end of the weekend it may well be advantage Liverpool again.
But this was a major hurdle straddled – and if it comes down to a test of bottle, on this evidence, City certainly have it.
Stay tuned for reaction from the Etihad Stadium.
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