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IMAGE CREDITS: SKY SPORTS

Rafa Benitez acknowledges the challenge Manchester City pose in the Premier League title race, though he believes there’s still hope for Liverpool and Arsenal despite recent setbacks.

Sunday proved pivotal in the title race as both the Reds and the Gunners suffered defeats at home, allowing Man City to move two points clear at the top of the table.

Liverpool, hosting struggling Crystal Palace at Anfield, failed to find an equalizer after Eberechi Eze’s 14th-minute goal, despite creating numerous scoring opportunities.

Meanwhile, Arsenal stumbled in their pursuit, losing 2-0 to Unai Emery’s Aston Villa with late goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins sealing the victory for the visitors.

As Manchester City aim for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title and back-to-back trebles, Benitez acknowledges the significant advantage they currently hold over their closest rivals.

However, he believes there will be twists and turns yet to come in the title race, offering Liverpool and Arsenal encouragement in their pursuit of Pep Guardiola’s side.

All three title contenders have European commitments in midweek.

Manchester City face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals, while Liverpool and Arsenal return to domestic action against Fulham and Wolves, respectively over the weekend.

“Manchester City are playing with a lot of confidence,” Benitez told Sky Sports.

“They have a good squad – they can change three or four players and still win easily.

“Can I see them making similar mistakes as Liverpool and Arsenal did this weekend.

But at the same time the others could make mistakes so I think City have a great advantage.”

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager added: “I watched both games and Liverpool had some bad luck because they had some great chances.

“A similar thing happened with Arsenal, they were better in the first half but then they lost control of the game and they were suffering.

“I think, like Liverpool, being in this position where they cannot lose games or drop points affected them.”

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