Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne has warned Liverpool not to get carried away despite leading by five points. City’s shock 3-2 loss to Norwich on Saturday has opened up the gap at the top of the table.
Earlier on Saturday, Jurgen Klopp’s side came from 1-0 down at home to Newcastle to beat the Magpies 3-1 and extend their run to five wins from five.
City were expected to get the same result at Norwich on Saturday, with the Canaries operating with a very depleted squad due to an extensive injury list.
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However, City’s defence was breached three times thanks to goals from Kenny McLean, Todd Cantwell, and the in-form Finn Teemu Pukki.
They could not respond despite goals from Sergio Aguero and Rodri and are now five points behind Liverpool.
It has been a sticky start to the season for Guardiola’s side who are reeling from the departure of Vincent Kompany in the summer and the long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte.
However, de Bruyne is refusing to panic over the club’s situation and has told Liverpool not to jump to any conclusions early on.
He said: “Last season we were seven points behind – it happens. “Of course we want to win every game but it is difficult. You have to respect the other team and when they do well. They do well and that is it. “We lost four games out of 38 last season and that is a good record. We can still win this season with the same points at the end of this season.”
City have scored 100 and 98 points respectively in the last two seasons and are still well fancied to repeat those kinds of figures despite already dropping five points this term.
City dropped points in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham in their second match of the season as a late disallowed Gabriel Jesus goal prevented them from winning. Their much-anticipated first meeting with Liverpool is scheduled to take place on November 9 at Anfield.
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