Pep Guardiola claims Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned Manchester United back into title contenders.
Manchester City can move to the top of the table with victory against Everton on Wednesday – but Guardiola is adamant the race to be Premier League champions remains wide open.
Back-to-back draws for Liverpool has seen City keep in touch with Jurgen Klopp’s leaders, despite last week’s shock defeat to Newcastle.
The reigning champions have now been re-installed as favourites – but Guardiola insists it would be a mistake think it is a two-horse race.
And he believes Solskjaer’s impact at Old Trafford – leading United to nine wins out of the 10 – means they cannot be discounted even though they are 14 points adrift.
“Three or four days ago we were already done, the champions were Liverpool,” said the City manager. “Now we can be leading.
“We try to be calm. There will be surprises and it will be tough for teams to win every game. Non-contenders have ability to create problems.
“I never said Tottenham is not there. Chelsea... I never said that. United, making this run every single week, they will be there.
“Now we see the table and see the first two or three and we don’t look further than that. Chelsea can win games in a row and be a contender.
“There are 39 points to play and nine or 10 behind it’s not too much. Everyone is ready to take points.”
Guardiola admitted himself that Liverpool would capitalise on City’s defeat at St James’ Park last week. But there have been signs of Klopp’s side feeling the pressure - dropping points from winning positions against Leicester and West Ham since.
Guardiola knows the trip to Goodison is an opportunity to mount more pressure on the Merseysiders, but expects more twists.
“I would say it’s typical in England,” he said. “What’s not common is what happened last season - 18 wins in a row, 100 points.
“Normal is what happens now. You can win or lose every single game, every team involved in the title, or Europe, or staying in the Premier League.”
