Tuesday 17 January 2017 12:55, UK
Manchester City and Manchester United are out of the Premier League title race, according to Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
City slipped down to fifth after being thumped 4-0 away at Everton on Nissan Super Sunday - Pep Guardiola's largest defeat as a manager - and are 10 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.
A late Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal salvaged sixth-placed United a point at home to Liverpool just a matter of hours after that match at Goodison Park, leaving Jose Mourinho's side 12 points off the pace.
When asked how many clubs could win the title, Carragher told Monday Night Football: "I think four. I don't think the Manchester clubs can.
"Two or three games into the season, they were the two we all felt would battle for the title. But they are 10 and 12 points behind and Chelsea's goal difference is almost double which is an extra point.
"I only see Arsenal and above who can win the title."
Carragher's fellow MNF pundit, Thierry Henry, agreed with that assessment, but the Frenchman believes the Manchester clubs are still firmly in the race to secure a top-four finish.
"It's another season where two big teams will miss out on the top four. The two Manchester clubs are struggling for the title, but they are well in the race for the top four," Henry said.
"United look like a team who can get into the top four, but if you put them in who comes out?
"It's going to be very interesting one."
Henry also believes Chelsea are in pole position to secure their fifth Premier League title after returning to winning ways at Leicester on Saturday.
The Blues saw their 13-match winning streak come to an end at Tottenham earlier this month, but bounced back from that disappointment by inflicting a comprehensive 3-0 defeat on last season’s champions at the King Power Stadium.
He added: "It was perfect for Chelsea that Manchester United and Liverpool drew. They bounced back at Leicester from their defeat to Tottenham.
"Can anyone stop them? And can anyone capitalise on them losing points?
"At the moment, it looks like it's Chelsea's title to lose."
Tottenham sit in second spot, with only goal difference separating themselves and third-placed Liverpool, following their 4-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.
When asked about Spurs' title prospects, Carragher said: "They have a great chance. Chelsea are favourites of course but Spurs went very close last year.
"I've thought about what they lacked last year and maybe it's a superstar on the right-hand side. Lamela and Sissoko have so far failed to deliver.
"The more you watch [Christian] Eriksen, the more you watch Dele Alli and Harry Kane the more you think they will become superstars. And if they take Spurs to the title, we will be calling them superstars.
"Out of the chasing pack, they've got as good a chance as anyone."
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