Premier League title race: Fernandinho warns Liverpool that Man City are competing ‘like animals’

City moved a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the league table on Wednesday night

Fernandinho has warned Liverpool that Manchester City are ‘competing like animals’ and showing the spirit of a side that is desperate to win the Premier League title.

City moved a point clear of Liverpool at the top of the league table on Wednesday night with a crucial 2-0 victory at the home of cross-town rivals Manchester United.

It was an 11th consecutive Premier League victory for the defending champions and three more will guarantee a successful defence of their crown, regardless of Liverpool’s results.

Wednesday’s win also came just a week after City’s extraordinary elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur.

Pep Guardiola’s side immediately bounced back from that quarter-final defeat on away goals to beat Tottenham in the league at the Etihad.

And Fernandinho believes that victory, as well as the three points at Old Trafford, showed City will not be easily beaten in this title run-in.

When asked whether beating United showed how badly City wanted to retain their title, he said: “Yes, sure – but not just tonight, in general every game.

“Especially last Saturday after the 'defeat' against Tottenham, the way we played from the first minute.

“We showed the desire in competing for every ball like animals. I think this is the spirit of a team that wants to be champions.”

Liverpool had the opportunity to move 10 points clear of City by beating them at the turn of the year, yet suffered what remains their only defeat of the league season.

“We reduced the gap to four points and now we are one point up,” Fernandinho said on Wednesday night, reflecting on how City have hunted their title challengers down.

“That is the way the Premier League is going to be decided and I hope we can do our job and win those three games, and be champions again.”

Fernandinho added: “I am so happy for them and every City fan coming here and supporting us in the best way possible.

“Now we have three games to play, three finals, and we want to try to win those games.”

The Brazilian was replaced at the start of the second half on Wednesday night having suffered a knee injury, though hopes to be available for Sunday’s trip to Burnley.

“We are going to make the scan and we will see,” he said. “I will talk to the doctor and he will make the best decision for everybody.

“When I blocked the shot from Paul [Pogba] I felt my knee. It twisted a little bit. I could continue playing but I came off. That's what it is.”