If last weekend's results weren't evidence of Pep Guardiola's title race message, then Liverpool's late January transfer business certainly is.
After Manchester City moved into an 11-point lead in the Premier League after beating Chelsea, Guardiola was keen to downplay title talk and insisted focus would be needed in every game, referring to 'the other team' as perfectly capable of catching them.
City went on to draw at Southampton next time out, and that 'other team' — Liverpool — beat Crystal Palace to reduce the gap to nine points. They have a game in hand against Leeds, and still have a visit to the Etihad to come in April. Win both of those, and just three points could separate the top two.
Guardiola is right to stress that nothing is won yet, with City theoretically two defeats from losing top spot. Now, Liverpool appear to be making another statement of intent, by moving to sign a player who gave City nightmares at the Etihad last season.
The MEN understands Liverpool have bid an initial £37.5m for Porto's Luis Diaz, the winger who took on half of the City defence to score in the Champions League last year.
For a side with a world-class front three that has helped them win the Premier League and Champions League, plus solid back-up options in Diogo Jota and Takumi Minamino, signing another pacey winger suggests they're keen to add more firepower while keeping their existing attack as fresh as possible.
And when it comes to the crucial showdown at the Etihad at the start of April, Diaz would be a shrewd selection from Jurgen Klopp.
He has had a fine game there before, is up for a battle — as the whole Porto travelling party were that night — and offers a direct and fearless approach that could prove the difference. After his solo goal and clever finish put Porto ahead, City ran out 3-1 winners.
But they will be all too aware of the impact Diaz had on the game.
He had a 90 per cent pass success, bettered only by City's two centre-backs, and attempted more dribbles than any other player on the pitch — all in City's half. His two shots and 30 touches from the left kept Kyle Walker busy all night, targeting his side. City and Liverpool are extremely familiar with each other by now, so a wildcard like Diaz could be a clever buy.
While meetings between English football's two heavyweights have been full of quality recently, there's also been a fair bit of bite and aggression. Diaz is a player who can contribute to both aspects of the rivalry, and with a goal or assist for Porto every 130 minutes, he offers a clear threat to City's goal, too.
Despite how the table currently looks, there is still very little to separate these two title challengers, so any advantage that can be gained in January is worth considering. City clearly feel happy with their squad, while Liverpool look to be turning to Diaz to shake up their title bid.
If he approaches this new challenge as he did that group stage game at the Etihad back in 2020, it is a clear reminder to City players to listen to their manager and realise absolutely nothing is won yet.
'The other team' aren't giving up the title without a fight. And in Diaz, they've certainly picked a fighter.
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