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Pep Guardiola insists Manchester City's previous 14-point lead over Liverpool was "fake" after seeing it cut to just a single point in recent weeks.
City raced clear of their title rivals over the festive period and at one point were 14 points clear of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
However, Liverpool used their two games in hand to claw their way back into the title race after seeing City drop points against Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
Jurgen Klopp’s side briefly moved top of the table after their win over Watford last weekend before City regained top spot with victory at Burnley.
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The two title contenders will go head-to-head at the Etihad on Sunday in a mouth-watering clash at the top of the table and Guardiola says he always expected the Reds to fight their way back into contention.
"What is sure in Liverpool and City in the last years, we raised the bar and raised the targets that the Premier League had before," said Guardiola.
"The other teams realised they had to push more if they want to chase us.
"In the last five or six years, one year we were a little bit out, last year they had injuries and United was there. Both teams for 5-6 years we were there both teams, fighting.
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"I'm going to tell you something: 14 points, it was fake. You were wrong. We played two more games [than Liverpool]. Fake. It was not a mistake."
Guardiola has praised Liverpool’s consistency and has compared City’s rivalry with the Anfield club to his experience of managing Barcelona against Real Madrid.
"When we were 14 points ahead of Liverpool even myself I could not believe it because I know the incredible opponent we have to face. One of the best teams in Europe," he added.
"The reality is one point right now, this is the normal reality. It's an honour to be there to fight to win the Premier League.
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"I lived this situation when I was in Barcelona; always Madrid, sometimes Atletico, but normally Barcelona and [Real] Madrid.
"Here it's always five/six teams, but in the last five years, two.. This is the reality in the Premier League. It shows the consistency and structure both teams had.
"I understand people talking about Liverpool. I'm pretty sure all the people will be watching that game. It will be two teams top of the league trying to win the Premier League."
Topics: Pep Guardiola, Manchester City, Liverpool, Premier League, Football