Premier League GW23: Klopp hails lucky result for Liverpool
Liverpool were able to consolidate their lead atop the Premier League this weekend with a 4-3 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The seven-goal thriller piled the pressure on City, who played against Huddersfield the following day knowing only a victory would restore the deficit to three points.
Pep Guardiola’s men were able to sweep away the bottom-placed side, though, with a 3-0 win.
The reigning champions now have the chance to go one point behind Liverpool the next two gameweeks, however.
Following this weekend’s FA Cup fixtures, City take on Newcastle the night before Liverpool host Leicester, and then welcome Arsenal the day before the Reds’ visit to West Ham.
And former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who boasts eight Premier League winners’ medals, believes that scheduling represents a “big advantage” for City.
“Our bosses at Sky Sports won’t thank me for saying this but there was a period when [United] were playing and going for leagues that we felt big advantages were gained by playing first.
Liverpool are conceding a big advantage having Man City play before them the next two gameweeks (Image: Getty)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp passionately celebrated the 4-3 win over Crystal Palace (Image: Getty)
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“It would always be preferable for teams involved in a title race to play first and have the opportunity to get your points on the board.
“Either go further in front or close the gap. There’s no doubt it’s a different type of pressure.
“City will absolutely want to be closing that gap to one point, and asking Liverpool have they got it in them to stand the pressure of playing the day after or two days after.
Gary Neville won eight Premier League winners' medals at Manchester United (Image: Getty)
Man City kept the pressure on Liverpool with a 3-0 win over Huddersfield last Sunday (Image: Getty)
“There was a thought 10, 15 years ago towards the end of the season with five, six games to go: would you put both games on at once so there wasn’t that advantage?
“But then you want the drama of television and the drama of seeing both teams play.
“But, definitely, playing first is a big advantage.”