Joe Cole makes bold title claim as Arsenal lead Man City ahead of Liverpool clash

Joe Cole makes bold title claim as Arsenal lead Man City ahead of Liverpool clash Ben Fleming Published February 6, 2026 4:13pm Updated February 6, 2026 4:14pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole (Picture: Getty)

Former Chelsea winger Joe Cole believes the Premier League title race will be over if Manchester City lose to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.

Just one win in their last six league games has seen the wheels come off City’s chase of Arsenal at the top of the table.

Pep Guardiola’s side surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against Tottenham last weekend, a result which saw Arsenal’s lead at the top extend to six points after they breezed past Leeds United with a 4-0 win.

And Mikel Arteta’s side now have the opportunity to pile more pressure on the chasing pack should they win against Sunderland at the Emirates.

That result would leave the Gunners nine clear of City ahead of their daunting trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool the following day.

The Reds are a shadow of the side that romped to the league title under Arne Slot last year, but City have a miserable away record against Liverpool, and have won just one of their last 22 visits to Anfield.

And Cole believes that another defeat for Guardiola’s side against Liverpool could signal the end of City’s title hopes for this season.

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Manchester City face a tricky visit to Anfield on Sunday (Picture: Getty)

‘It would be the final nail in the coffin,’ Cole told Paddy Power.

‘This is a huge game. This is one of the first massive title run in games.

‘The importance of winning this game is vital. If they don’t win this game, I think I’d be telling everyone it’s Arsenal’s league now!’

Elsewhere, former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson is equally fearful of City’s hopes on Sunday and admitted he would be shocked if they left Merseyside with a positive result.

City lost both times against Liverpool last season (Picture: Getty) Arsenal could go nine points clear of City with a win on Saturday against Sunderland (Picture: Getty)

‘I think the title will be wrapped up this weekend. I can’t see Arsenal dropping points in this game,’ he told Sportskeeda.

‘If Arsenal win, they will be nine points clear at the top and then Manchester City go to Anfield, which means it will all be over on Sunday!

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‘I’d be shocked if Liverpool lost this football match! They have bounced back well after conceding that last-minute winner against Bournemouth. 10 goals in the two games since then shows they are clicking in attack.

‘Manchester City have to win this game. Even a draw would mean the title race is over because Arsenal would still have an eight-point lead. Like I said earlier, I expect the title race to be done this weekend, so Liverpool win.’

Asked about Liverpool’s threat in Friday’s pre-match press conference, Guardiola said: ‘Always a tough opponent and a difficult place and stadium, especially with the quality of the players and the managers. Yes, it’s been tough.

‘They remain an exceptional team. Top-class manager and an exceptional team, no doubt. The moments are the moments, the seasons are the seasons so always remains a good team.’

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