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As Liverpool close in on their first Premier League title since 2020, a contentious narrative has dominated social media platforms: claims that the Reds’ dominance stems from a “weak” league rather than their own merits.

Critics point to Manchester City’s historic drop to fifth place and Arsenal’s inconsistent form as evidence of a diluted competitive landscape.

Online discourse has amplified the notion that Liverpool’s 13-point lead reflects rivals’ failures rather than their own excellence.

Posts citing City’s 22-point deficit and Arsenal’s four defeats to mid-table sides have garnered millions of engagements.

City’s decline is obvious, but it cannot be divorced from their off-pitch challenges.

The departure of director of football Txiki Begiristain, the architect of their treble-winning squad, has created institutional uncertainty.

On the field, injuries to Kevin De Bruyne 32 games missed and Erling Haaland 18 games exposed a lack of squad depth, part of the reason why the soon-to-be dethroned champions spent so frivolously in the January transfer window.

The strength of the league was on display last night however, as Manchester City snatched a dramatic 2-1 win over Aston Villa with Matheus Nunes’ 94th-minute strike.

Bernardo Silva’s early opener was cancelled by Marcus Rashford’s penalty (18’), but Nunes’ late tap-in from Jeremy Doku’s cross sealed a crucial Champions League qualification boost.

And speaking after the game, the Spanish manager hailed Liverpool as champions and labelled the level of Premier League sides as ‘outstanding’:

“The team fought a lot.

It is a fantastic team,” Guardiola said to Sky Sports of Aston Villa.

The season has been bad.

It doesn’t matter about the final or if we finish in the Champions League.

What makes you feel good is the Premier League?

It happened and sometimes you have bad seasons.

“Liverpool will be champions, and the level of teams is outstanding.”

It’s clear that those in the know are aware that the league has not gotten easier – if anything it’s gotten harder with the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest now challenging the established ‘top six’.

Read More: Alexis Mac Allister reacts to Real Madrid links: “I read the rumours…”

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