Stuart Pearce names who he expects to end Man City's title domination this season
Former England defender Stuart Pearce warns it will be a "massive end of an era" if Pep Guardiola leaves Manchester City at the end of the season
by Neil McLeman · The MirrorStuart Pearce has backed Arsenal or Liverpool to end Manchester City’s Premier League dominance at the end of a “brilliant title race” this season.
And the former City defender warned it would be the "end of a massive era” if Pep Guardiola were to leave at the end of his contract next summer. The Catalan’s side has lifted the trophy in the last four years - and five times out of six since 2017.
But coming back from the international break, Liverpool under new manager Arnie Slot sit a point clear of last season’s top two. And former England star Pearce said: "At the start of the season I said Arsenal and I have to stick with Arsenal but I think it looks like it will be a three-way split between Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City. I would go outside Manchester City. I would go either Arsenal or Liverpool at this stage.”
Guardiola did not make himself available for the England job but he has yet to commit to a contract extension beyond this season while City face 115 charges from the Premier League.
Pearce, who played for Kevin Keegan’s Manchester City in the Championship in 2001-02, said: “If Pep were to announce he is leaving at the end of the season, it would 100% have an impact on the race. It would be the end of a massive era at Manchester City. It will be interesting. It would worry me if I was a City fan to lose him because he is the figurehead at the club and so good at what he does.
“I think to keep driving a team to win, win, win is an incredible achievement. They have got the best manager in the world there and it is because of him that they keep doing what they are doing. I don’t know why I say that - I think every year maybe I say that! - but who knows? It will be a brilliant title race.”
One of the next instalments in the race will be at Anfield on Sunday where Liverpool face a Chelsea side unbeaten in seven matches and sitting in fourth place. “It is a big game for both teams and I think there will be a lot of goals in it,” Pearce added. “Both teams are outstanding at counterattacking but both teams can ship a chance and a goal.
Liverpool have had a great start but during games they have had efforts at their goal but they have turned out victories apart from the Forest game. Chelsea have improved from last year. Mauricio Pochettino did a good job while Enzo Maresca has been near enough faultless this season. If he gets them into a Champions League place this season, he will have done a good job and maybe a tilt at some sort of silverware.
“They have got a lot of talented young players in there who could win any game. I am going for a 2-2 or 3-3 draw - I think there will be goals.”
Ladbrokes, with the support of its owner Entain, has launched a multi-million-pound investment programme, Pitching In, designed to support and promote grassroots sports. For more details see: https://www.entaingroup.com/sustainability-esg/entain-foundation/pitching-in/ and to find volunteering opportunities near you, see: pitchinginvolunteers.co.uk Pearce was speaking from Cheshunt FC to celebrate Pitching In’s Volunteer of the Season Award
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches 'lowest price' Premier League package
£43 (was £52)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £216 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
With Ultra HD included at no extra cost, football fans can enjoy the 2024/25 season with crystal clear picture quality.