Arsenal and Liverpool dealt title race blow as Pep Guardiola unlocks Man City secret weapon
Arsenal and Liverpool have been dealt a major blow to their hopes of winning the Premier League this season. The Gunners are currently leading the English top-flight title race following their impressive 2-0 win over Brighton.
Jurgen Klopp's side missed out on the chance to leapfrog Arsenal and claim top-spot on Sunday evening after they were held to a goalless draw at Anfield by Manchester United. Aston Villa also extended their advantage over Manchester City at the weekend as they clambered to a 2-1 win against Brentford.
The reigning champions, however, surrendered two crucial points in the title race after conceding a late equaliser to Crystal Palace. By the time Guardiola's side play their next Premier League game, which isn't until December 27 due to their participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, Arsenal could be eight points clear.
While the title race is far from over, City will need to transform their performances to stand any chance of catching the north Londoners. And what better catalyst for rejuvenation is there than the return of Kevin De Bruyne.
The 32-year-old midfielder has recently returned to first-team training following a length spell on the sidelines. De Bruyne tweaked a longstanding hamstring issue in the first-half of the Champions League final last season.
Determined to return in time for the new Premier League campaign, the Belgium international worked overtime during the summer. But unfortunately for the City ace, he suffered a recurrence of the injury on the opening weekend of the new season, withdrawing from Manchester City's win over Burnley after just 23 minutes.
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