Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has launched a scathing attack on pundits who he believes are far too hasty in writing off teams from the title race.
The Catalan has also vowed that reigning champions Liverpool will rediscover their finest form.
City concluded the previous campaign without silverware for the first time since Guardiola's inaugural season at the Etihad. They faced criticism in certain circles during August after following up a commanding 4-0 triumph over Wolves on the opening day with consecutive losses to Tottenham Hotspur and Brighton and Hove Albion.
However, the Citizens have since claimed four victories and secured one draw from their most recent five Premier League fixtures, climbing to second place and sitting just three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
This is the very same Arsenal squad that, despite three consecutive runner-up finishes, faced scrutiny following their 1-0 reverse against defending champions Liverpool in August. Since that setback, the Gunners have also accumulated 13 points from a potential 15.
MONACO, MONACO - SEPTEMBER 30: Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City speaks during a press conference ahead of the UEFA Champions League group stage week 2 match against AS Monaco at Stade Louis II in Monaco, Monaco on September 30, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been talking the Premier League title race (Image: Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images)
By contrast, the title holders have struggled recently, with the Reds travelling to Brentford on Saturday hoping to halt a sequence of three consecutive league defeats.
Nevertheless, Guardiola remains convinced that Arne Slot's side will bounce back.
During his press conference ahead of his team's journey to Aston Villa on Sunday, the City manager remarked: "Well, in the first two games, three games, yeah for sure we are out (of the title race).
"And Liverpool is already done - and now it looks like Liverpool is done. And I'll tell you that they will be back.
"I've said many times, I know all the pundits, all the specialists or former players, they know everything that is going to happen after five games - I'm not able to do that.
"So, always I wait for 10, 15 games to know exactly what is going on.
"But I think obviously Liverpool and Arsenal are there, someone else will be there, and hopefully we can be there."
The Reds could leapfrog City and close to within a single point of Arsenal, who welcome Crystal Palace on Sunday, should they triumph at Brentford.
City remains undefeated across their previous nine fixtures in all competitions following defeats to Spurs and Brighton.
Guardiola commented: "We have good momentum but not the consistency for 90 minutes.
"Our mentality and our body language is in the right spot and it will make us stable but (we need to) play better during 95 minutes."
City host Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 9 in what represents the concluding fixture before the final international break of the campaign.