The last match-week of 2021 could prove to be pivotal in the title race come May. Man City grinded, while both Chelsea and Liverpool pressed the self-destruct button to lose further ground in the race. The result of another covid-stricken round of fixtures was Man City cementing their position at the top of the table heading into the new year.
Even though Pep Guardiola insists the title race isn’t over yet, it’s hard to look past City for the title. They are already eight points ahead of Chelsea, and nine ahead of Liverpool, although the Reds have a game in hand. In the worst-case scenario, City’s advantage won’t be smaller than six points. To make matters worse for the chasing duo, they lock horns this weekend at Stamford Bridge. That means either/both will drop points, and City could pull further clear.
Liverpool
Liverpool forgot their shooting boots at home when they visited Leicester City. Of the 21 shots they had, only four of them were on target. Mo Salah surprisingly missed a penalty, while Sadio Mané skied a glorious one-v-one opportunity. Almost every attacking statistic (possession, xG, shots, corners) were in Liverpool’s favour, but as is often the case in this league, if you don’t take your chances, you are duly punished.
Failure to score in a game is a rarity for Liverpool – the first time it happened in eight months. It followed a grueling 2-2 draw at Spurs. African duo Mané and Salah are on their way to the Africa Cup of Nations, and their next game is at Chelsea. Jürgen Klopp can at least draw encouragement from his recent record at the Bridge. He is unbeaten in his last three visits, winning the last two.
Chelsea
For Chelsea, it’s all going wrong rather swiftly. Injuries, covid, injuries and an abysmal home form have contributed to their downfall. Thomas Tuchel’s men were three points ahead of Guardiola, but now find themselves eight behind the Champions. The rock-solid defense upon which the foundations were built looks shaky as the Blues let another lead slip last night.
On the balance of play, a 1-1 draw is the least Brighton deserved. But the fact that the equaliser came in stoppage time is a cause of concern. At home, Chelsea’s only win in the last five league games came against Leeds, via a stoppage time penalty from Jorginho. Already eight points behind City, with fixtures against Liverpool, City and a revitalised Tottenham upcoming, with a depleted squad, Tuchel has his work cut out. Following that, they are off to the Club World Cup.
Based on the current form of the clubs involved, the only thing that can happen is City stretching their lead. Liverpool are not in a crisis yet, but the margin is growing now. This season had the potential of having the best title race ever seen in Premier League history. And unless City endure a drop-off, or Liverpool and Chelsea buckle up, it could be another procession to the title for Guardiola’s side. And, they are doing it without a recognised striker.