Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has issued a warning to Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Arsenal.
The 32-year-old made his third Premier League start of the season against Brentford on Monday evening, as Phil Foden’s hat-trick inspired Manchester City to a crucial 3-1 win in west London.
De Bruyne and Erling Haaland started together for the first time since August, with Pep Guardiola’s side moving to within two points of league leaders Liverpool with the victory over Brentford.
Manchester City could move to the top of the Premier League table with a win over Everton at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon, as the Sky Blues bid to take control of the emerging title race between themselves, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Just two points currently separate the three teams, although City have played one game less than both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Only seven points separate first from fifth in the Premier League table, as Aston Villa and Tottenham also bid to win the title.
Guardiola’s side are still to face all four teams during the second-half of the campaign, with visits to Anfield and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as well as home matches against Arsenal and Villa.
As Manchester City’s bid for a record-breaking fourth successive Premier League title continues, De Bruyne has issued a warning to the Blues’ rivals.
“There are so many teams there,” the Belgian told Standard Sport.
“Liverpool and Arsenal are there with us, but I’d say even [Aston] Villa and Tottenham are close. We will be fighting with five for the moment.
“There’s a little pressure anyway to do well, but there’s no point looking at what’s going to happen in two months.
“We need to win games now and try to enjoy it. We know what we need to do. The pressure is always there, but we’re ready to fight again until the end.”
Manchester City face Everton on Saturday afternoon before returning to their Champions League title defence next Tuesday, travelling to FC Copenhagen in the first-leg of the last-16.
The Sky Blues then host Chelsea on Saturday 17th February, prior to another meeting with Brentford.