Premier League: Decoding the title race between City and Liverpool
What's the story
The Premier League 2021-22 season is set for a two-way race between champions Manchester City and Liverpool. Both sides have been in top form and are getting the desired amount of points. At the moment, City have a six-point gap over Liverpool. However, the Reds have played one game less. With the season set for a thrilling finale, we decode the title race.
City
Man City top the PL 2021-22 standings
City, who hammered Manchester United 4-1 on Sunday, have collected 69 points from 28 matches (W22 D3 L3). They have scored 68 goals (second-highest), besides conceding 18 (joint-lowest alongside Chelsea). Notably, City have won 17 of the last 18 PL matches. In this run, they have been the best side, losing only once versus Tottenham (2-3).
Context
Why does this story matter?
One could see the two sides go all the way until the end for the trophy. It could familiar pattern we witnessed in the 2018-19 season. Both sides look complete across departments and the level is top-notch. City are aiming for a fourth honor under Pep Guardiola as Jurgen Klopp eyes a second title with the Reds.
Liverpool
Liverpool are placed second
Carabao Cup winners Liverpool have played 27 games, winning 19, drawing six, and losing just twice. They have amassed 63 points and are six behind City. Liverpool have netted 71 goals (highest) and conceded 20. The Reds are unbeaten in eight PL matches and are on a run of seven successive wins. During this run, they have netted 22 goals.
Attack
A look at the top performers
The top three scorers this season are from Liverpool. Mohamed Salah leads the show with 19 goals. The likes of Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota have 12 goals each. Trent Alexander-Arnold has the most number of assists this season (11). Salah (10) and Andrew Robertson (9) follow suit. For City, Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling have 10 goals each. Gabriel Jesus has seven assists.
Do you know?
31 clean sheets between the two sides
City have registered the most number of clean sheets this season (16). Meanwhile, the Reds have amassed 15 clean sheets which is the second best tally. Teams have found it hard against the two. Third-placed Chelsea have 12 clean sheets under their belt.
Information
City have an easier run of games
Man City host Liverpool on April 10 and that match can make a lot of difference. For City, the rest of the remaining games are relatively easier as compared to Liverpool. The Reds have to face Arsenal, Man United, and Tottenham as well.