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At 11:30pm tonight, Liverpool face Manchester City in a match that will not only affect the title, but also signal a change in an era of English football.
Salah is Liverpool's mainstay
An era where teams no longer dominate as they once did, but instead there is fierce and unpredictable competition where no team is truly unbeatable.
The match between Liverpool and Manchester City has been the pinnacle of English football in recent seasons. It is a match between two teams that create relentless battles, two teams that can win every match and produce powerful performances.
But at this point, the match between them will no longer be a battle between unstoppable teams, but instead a match marked by instability and major changes.
The 2024/25 Premier League season looks markedly different. Liverpool are top of the table with an eight-point advantage over their rivals, but are no longer the invincible side they were in previous seasons.
Big wins and a sharp attacking style have been Liverpool's trademarks in previous seasons, but they are no longer the solid team they once were. A team once known for their strength and determination is now struggling with poor form.
Liverpool have won just half of their last 14 games, which is not a collapse but it does not bode well for the future. Dropped points against weaker opponents, shaky draws and inconsistent form have left many doubting the team’s ability to win the title.
But, it is worth noting that while Liverpool are no longer invincible, they have maintained a solid position in the rankings, thanks to a balanced force and persistence.
But can Salah alone help Liverpool make it happen?
Despite this, Liverpool still face difficulties. Along with injuries to some key players, the lack of consistency in playing style has also made the team struggle to maintain their peak performance.
They have failed to show their sharpness in important games, most notably in the 2-1 win over Wolves, a game in which the team failed to muster a single shot in the second half against a side struggling at the bottom of the table.
However, Liverpool still hold an eight-point advantage, which helps them maintain their top position despite having played more games than their rivals. Arsenal, the only rival that can compete with Liverpool in the title race, also has major problems with consecutive injuries in the attack, making this race somewhat easier for Liverpool.
But the big question remains whether this team can maintain their form and overcome this difficult period to reach the Premier League title?
Meanwhile, Manchester City have endured a turbulent season. Pep Guardiola's side were once known as a winning machine, with a sharp attacking style and excellent control of the game.
However, this season, they have not been as consistent as before. Despite still possessing excellent players such as Kevin De Bruyne, Erling Haaland and Jack Grealish, Man City seem to lack the inherent strength and confidence. Unexpected defeats and unconvincing results, especially in matches against weaker teams, have made fans question Man City's ability to defend the title.
One of the main factors leading to Man City's decline is fatigue and lack of freshness in the squad.
One of the main factors that led to Man City's decline was fatigue and lack of freshness in the squad. Key players, although still performing well, were no longer able to maintain the same level of consistency and top form as before.
The fatigue of the players combined with the tight schedule of matches has made Man City unable to maintain the strength of previous seasons. Especially in important matches such as the loss to Real Madrid, Man City has not shown the strength and confidence in Guardiola's strategy. It seems that fatigue is starting to affect the team's ability to compete.
Manchester City's decline could signal the end of an era of dominance. While they still have excellent players and are still capable of winning big games, the sense of "glory" has gone. Regaining that belief and peak form will be a challenge for Guardiola and his players.
Against this backdrop, Liverpool and Manchester City embark on a clash that will not only decide the title but also symbolise the transformation of English football. This clash will no longer be a battle between two unstoppable teams, but a race between a team looking to maintain its position and a team struggling to be reborn.
With the shift away from an era of dominance by the big teams, the Premier League title race now offers plenty of surprises and opportunities for other teams. Matches like Liverpool and Manchester City will not only decide the title, but also demonstrate the change in English football.
