Liverpool could be crowned champion of England for the first time in 30 years without kicking another ball, after a superb weekend of results for the leaders.
The Reds narrowly defeated Bournemouth 2-1 on Saturday to end their mini-slump in the form of three losses in four games.
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Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah scored as Liverpool returned to victory against Bournemouth
Meanwhile, their defending rival Manchester City suffered another misstep, beaten 2-0 by Manchester United in Sunday’s derby at Old Trafford.
This means that Jurgen Klopp’s team has a 25-point lead at the top with nine games left.
But they could be crowned champions as early as THE NEXT WEEK, and without even kicking a ball, if City’s slide continues.
On Monday, Pep Guardiola’s team will play twice before Liverpool’s next game against Merseyside derby rival Everton.
And if City loses to Arsenal on Wednesday as well as to Burnley on Saturday, Liverpool will be confirmed the league winner before kick-off at Goodison Park – where they would receive an honor guard from the Toffees.
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Even though City have won both games, Liverpool need only six points from their last nine games to get their hands on the Premier League trophy for the first time in club history.
Two more wins would place Klopp’s men at 88 points – the maximum City can now reach after their defeat at the Manchester Derby.
If the title rivals continue to win, Liverpool will have its first chance to seal the title in the match after Sunday’s clash at Everton, who is home to Crystal Palace.
But if the Reds lose points against Everton or Palace and City have a winning streak this week, Liverpool will have a chance at the Etihad Stadium on April 5.
A shred of doubt has crept into the dialogue over what seemed like an inevitable victory for the Liverpool title in recent weeks.
A few weeks ago, the fleeing leaders had lost only twice in 41 matches in all competitions.
But after three losses in four games, against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, Watford in the Premier League and Chelsea in the FA Cup, some fans feared they could blow their huge lead to the top.
Liverpool, however, have proven their resilience against the Cherries, and Klopp insisted that he was “never worried” about the mental strength of his players.
“It is very important that you keep your cool, but that never worried me,” he said.
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Klopp failed to hold celebrations as Liverpool moved closer to Premier League title with victory over Bournemouth
“It’s not just about keeping your nerves, it’s about fighting whatever is working against you right now.
“It’s true, for a year and a half, not many of these things have worked against us, but in the past two weeks they have done it. So we have to fight them.
“We cannot ignore them and think they will never happen again. We are not that kind of team or that kind of club.
“We have always had to work very hard for everything we have. I saw it on Saturday and I am more than happy. “
