As shown above, Manchester City are no strangers to turning around a poor run of form to win the league.
In fact, in four of the six seasons in which Guardiola won the Premier League title, he overcame differences of eight points or more.
The ability to bounce back from a series of poor results and embark on a relentless winning streak, particularly towards the latter stages of the campaign, means no one dares to count them out in a title race.
But, for once, history is not on their side. According to the statistics, an eight-point difference seems feasible, but coming back 11 points is something they have not done before, and many others have not done it either.
Judging by its current form, serious doubts arise.
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman said on BBC Radio 5 Live: “Now you know that if you can get a bit of momentum in a game, you can beat Manchester City right now. They concede one, it looks like their doors are opening “. .
“It seems to be a mental issue. The direction of the game doesn’t seem to be there. They keep making mistakes or leaving opportunities for the opponent.”
Former Blackburn striker Chris Sutton said City look “fragile” and clearly “lacking faith”.
“Will they be able to recover overall?” he added. “Maybe we are at a stage where we look at Manchester City and wonder if they can get that confidence back.”
It is impossible to ignore the importance of the injuries to Rodri, Ruben Dias, John Stones, Kevin de Bruyne, Jack Grealish and even Oscar Bobb.
“Historically, you know City can do it, but at the moment they look very tired,” said former Brighton striker Glenn Murray.
“The result [against Liverpool] “It will have a big impact on the title race.”
Former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison said there is “no way back” for Guardiola’s team if they lose at Anfield, but a win would change the conversation.
“They are capable of achieving a series of victories,” he added.
“If they can get their season back on track with a result at Anfield, then we will all change our tune and say they are back on track. It is a game that has enormous pressure on City.”
Guardiola has committed to the club for the next two years but will have to achieve one of his greatest feats if City are to have a chance of lifting an unprecedented fifth consecutive trophy in May.
