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Pep Guardiola has taken a subtle swipe at Liverpool and their title credentials in the aftermath of the 2-0 victory at the Etihad.

The Cityzens have been a shadow of themselves this season and suffered their first Liverpool defeat at home in Pep Guardiola’s tenure.

First-half goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai underscored Liverpool’s ruthless efficiency, while a toothless City—missing Erling Haaland, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, and Rodri—failed to register a shot on target until the 70th minute.

The aura and general fear of Man City have receded this season, with plenty of teams now finding joy against the reigning champions.

For the first time in his tenure, City find themselves in unfamiliar territory: chasing rather than setting the pace.

Now, Guardiola’s side risks falling into a battle for Champions League qualification, sitting fourth and level on points with Newcastle.

The absence of Haaland, who has missed six of the last eight league games, has exposed City’s overreliance on his goal threat.

Summer signing Omar Marmoush, while spirited, lacks the Norwegian’s physical presence—a weakness Liverpool exploited by doubling down on high-line defending.

And for Pep Guardiola, it seems he is ready to use the lack of fit players as a big reason why City were not able to mount a title defence this season.

What did Pep Guardiola say about Liverpool?

Speaking in the aftermath of the defeat to Liverpool, Guardiola pointed to injuries as the reason why his side has had such a poor season – and even suggested that the league table would have looked different if he had a healthy squad:

“I don’t know what would have happened if everyone was here.

I don’t know if Liverpool would be able to win the Premier League,” he claimed.

“They are a fantastic team and they are similar in details.

I don’t want to say if we had Erling Haaland we would have won because that is unfair on the players who played today and gave everything,” the City boss explained.

“Of course, with Erling we are a better team.

With John Stones and Akanji we are a better team and for many reasons with other players we are a better team.”

While City scramble to reintegrate Haaland and co?

ahead of April’s title run-in, the reality is clear: for the first time in years, the Premier League’s destiny lies beyond the Etihad.

The Cityzens have a battle for top four on their hands instead, and for a club accustomed to rewriting records, this season may redefine what true resilience looks like.

Read More: Fabrizio Romano confirms position Liverpool want to strengthen in the summer

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