Manchester City keep powering on in a relentless mode that tells Liverpool and Arsenal they must do the same. Pep Guardiola’s champions are up to top spot with this tight victory and if either Arsenal or Arne Slot’s side can win Sunday’s late kick-off, they will land a bodyblow on the other.

City, with 23 points, lead Liverpool by two and Arsenal by a yawning six, so Mikel Arteta’s team dare not lose.