Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola said that Liverpool could well be the best team in the world at present.

The reigning Premier League champs ended 2018 by beating Southampton 3-1, thus ending their two-match losing run. David Silva gave City an early lead in the 10th minute before Pierre-Emile Højbjerg equalised for the Saints. An own goal from James Ward-Prowse in the 45th minute restored the lead for City before Sergio Aguero scored his first goal since the Manchester Derby to extend City’s lead just before half-time.

The win sees Manchester City return to second place in the league table, overtaking Tottenham who shockingly lost to Wolves at home. They are now seven points behind Liverpool.

City begin 2019 by hosting Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday. Liverpool ended 2018 by drubbing Arsenal 5-1 at Anfield on Saturday.

Speaking of the encounter, Guardiola said, “The problem is the other team is fantastic. [Liverpool are] maybe the best team in Europe or the world right now and in top form. You have to accept it. All we can do is do our job, play our games and after that we will see.”

Manchester City drew the away leg at Anfield in October where Riyad Mahrez missed a penalty.

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