Jovetic for Golden Boot and other Man City v Liverpool lessons

If last season’s title race could be distilled into 90 minutes, then Manchester City’s 3-1 win over Liverpool on Monday would take some beating as the perfect summary.

For half an hour Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoyed proceedings. Pressing and probing with Raheem Sterling’s endeavour leading their attacks, the Reds found City impenetrable before the defending champions’ strength eventually shone through.

Rather than reminisce over the splendour of last season’s title race though, here’s three ways the result will affect this term:

Stevan Jovetic will be this season’s top scorer – 20/1

The Montenegrin forward’s brace-bagging can officially be declared a habit after he scored two of the three goals that downed Liverpool at the Etihad.

Having bagged a pair of doubles in pre-season, Jovetic has been handed the starting berth while Sergio Aguero gets his sea-legs back post Brazil.

Although the Argentine has matched Jovetic’s seasonal haul from the bench so far, the pleasing shape the former Fiorentina has started the campaign in makes his odds worth taking.

Last season’s top two won’t be repeated – Man City/Chelsea dual forecast 10/11

While Liverpool showed much of the same attacking qualities as last season in their 30 minutes of prominence at the Etihad, their inability to get in front cost them dearly once City grew into the match. Without Suarez to call on, that could be a worrying reoccurring theme.

Chelsea are already showing themselves to be a greatly improved unit this term, which leaves Man City facing a new rival for the trophy.

Liverpool will still finish in the top four – 8/11

The fact Manchester United are still odds-on to secure a return to the Champions League is a head scratcher considering their winless start to the season.

Their form leaves the battle for the remaining two top-four spots to the Reds, Tottenham and Arsenal at this early stage.

If either their defensive shakiness or chance conversion problems from their City trip can be ironed out, Rodgers can be confident of another European tour.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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