Former Chelsea and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer believes that while a fifth consecutive Premier League title may just be out of reach for Manchester City, they can still end the season in the top two.
Man City are currently sat in fourth place, six points behind Arsenal in second and 12 adrift of leaders Liverpool, having played a match more.
“I just don’t think Liverpool are going to lose enough games for City to have a chance but to finish in the top two, I think Man City are more than capable of doing that,” Schwarzer told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“They’ve got the strength, they’ve got the ability, the know how and I think they can definitely finish in the top two.
“They’re a top class side, there’s no doubt about it and they’re trying to find their way back to that form. Today was a good step in that direction.
“Man City and Liverpool still have to play, so that could go in the favour of Man City. They would need to win that. But they would still need Liverpool to lose quite a few games between now and the end of the season which I find difficult to see happening.”
Indeed, Man City have 48 points still to play for to Liverpool’s 51, with Pep Guardiola’s side able to reach a maximum of 86 points should they win all of their remaining fixtures. Liverpool could finish with 101 points if they win each of their final 17 matches.
‘City can still win trophies’
Former midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes City can still salvage a difficult season by winning the UEFA Champions League and FA Cup.
Speaking after City’s 6-0 demolition of Ipswich Town which equalled the club’s biggest Premier League away win, set against Watford in September 2017, Hargreaves reckons Guardiola’s men have the quality to end their campaign on a high by lifting silverware.
“They’re still one of the most talented squads in the Champions League,” said Hargreaves. “They can win the FA Cup, win the Champions League. If they finish in the top four, even in a bad season, they could win a couple of trophies.
“They’re just finding form and they’ve got five months left to go and chase whatever is possible for them, and there’s still a lot to play for.”
Unfortunately, this video is no longer available. Please try another video.
Ahead of City’s trip to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Wednesday, they are currently in 23rd place in the group phase table, with the sides sat in ninth to 24th qualifying for the playoffs, while the top eight advance to the last 16.
In the Premier League City have a challenging schedule, facing all of the current top five over their next six matches, along with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur, where they have lost on four of their last five league visits, while they also suffered defeat at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the EFL Cup back in October.
Man City’s next six PL fixtures
‘The players proved many things’
Following their first away win of 2025, Guardiola felt his players took a big step in proving they still have plenty left to give this season.
“Long time it didn’t happen. We have got some good results lately,” he told BBC Match of the Day.
“The players realised where we were, our standards lacked because it’s not just winning titles, it is the joy to do your best. It doesn’t matter if you’re a big actor in London or a little theatre in Sheffield – it doesn’t matter.
“I think the players today proved many things and hopefully it can be the beginning of recognising ourselves of who we were.”
Unfortunately, this video is no longer available. Please try another video.
After a slow start to the campaign, Phil Foden, who was making his 200th start for the club at Portman Road, looks to have rediscovered his best form, scoring five goals in his last three Premier League matches, the most of any player in 2025.
“One of the reasons he struggles is Phil and many players were not there,” said Guardiola. “Look at Kevin De Bruyne in the last three games, Kevin in his prime. We don’t have that rhythm and step-by-step players come back.
“To get the best for the team they have to push each other and compete with each other. That couldn’t happen this season as we have 13-14 players – no more than that.”
Guardiola was full of praise for James McAtee after the 22-year-old followed up his recent hat-trick in the FA Cup against Salford City by scoring his first Premier League goal for Man City.
“He is such a good footballer and a lovely guy. Quite similar qualities as Phil [Foden],” Guardiola said.
“It is not easy when you don’t get many minutes for your confidence. Hopefully we can keep James for many years.”
Foden: I’ve got my eyes on 100-goal mark
Foden, who scored a double at Portman Road, explained the importance of Sunday’s win as well as his pride at closing in on a century of goals for Man City.
“I’m really delighted with the outcome of the game. I thought we controlled it really well and looked back to ourselves. Hopefully, we can continue like this and not drop off,” Foden told BBC Match of the Day.
“We could have done that with the chances we had at Brentford. It’s good for players like me and Jeremy Doku to score as well for the confidence. Everyone is buzzing in the changing room now, they look really happy.
“I’m going to be shooting all the time now. It’d be a great achievement for me to score that many goals for the team I’ve always loved,” Foden added as he is just four goals away from 100 in all competitions.
“I still think there are a lot of steps to go. To come in and win the way we did shows great character and we want to build on this.”
Foden’s double v Ipswich
BRACE yourself ✌️@PhilFoden’s on fire ? pic.twitter.com/MH41ftAPXD
— Manchester City (@ManCity) January 19, 2025