“We will do that” – Manuel Akanji issues defiant Manchester City message after Premier League title blow

Manchester City defender Manuel Akanji believes that the club can still retain the Premier League title despite recent setbacks against both Arsenal and Liverpool.

The centre-back remains defiant regarding the Blues’ pursuit of a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title, with Manchester City three points behind current leaders Liverpool after back-to-back draws.

Pep Guardiola’s side held out for a 1-1 draw at Anfield last month and had to settle for another point last weekend, after a goalless draw with Arsenal at the Etihad Stadium handed Jurgen Klopp’s side control of the Premier League title race.

Nine matches remain during the Premier League campaign, with Manchester City three points behind Liverpool and two points behind Arsenal, ahead of Wednesday’s clash with high-flying Aston Villa in east Manchester.

The Cityzens, who are bidding to defend last season’s historic treble, have dropped points on 10 occasions in the league so far this season, and suffered their last defeat in any competition to Aston Villa in December.

As well as quick-fire Premier League games upon returning from the international break, Manchester City face Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals and Chelsea in the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals this month.

Despite losing key ground in the race for the Premier League title, Akanji has defiantly revealed a belief that Manchester City can retain the treble this season.

“Yeah, I mean how many (league) games do we have left? Nine, so yeah, 27 points to get. That’s our goal, to get all of them and then we’ll see how it ends. I’m confident. Obviously we wanted to win against Arsenal and didn’t get the three points.

“But it’s still all open and all to play for. Nine games in the Premier League, and we’ve got a quarter final in the Champions League against Real Madrid next week.

“We’re still in all the competitions. We’re still able to win them all – and hopefully we will do that.”‌