Former Manchester City star Didi Hamann admits he is surprised by the club's dominance this season after losing in the Champions League final.
City were the heavy favourites against fellow Premier League side Chelsea in the final in Kiev last June.
But a goal from Kai Havertz was enough to keep City searching for their Champions League crown.
The Sky Blues have responded in emphatic fashion this season despite a bumpy start which saw them lose to Tottenham Hotspur on opening day.
Pep Guardiola's side have lost just once since and currently sit nine points ahead of Liverpool, although the Reds possess a game in hand.
Hamann admits he is surprised by City's resurgence this season and thinks it will be difficult for Liverpool to chase them down in the Premier League title race.
"He's proved before that he's capable of it, obviously Aguero left, and Jesus doesn't always play through the middle, so they are missing a focal point of the team," the German told TribalFootball.com, on behalf of FreeSuperTips.
"I am quite surprised how well they've managed to do, but then again, they won 12 Premier League games on the spin which makes it hard to keep tabs on them.
"They do win every game more often than not, Liverpool could cut the gap with their game in hand, so there is a chance, but then again, it's very difficult.
"Liverpool would have to win their remaining games, but you'd expect teams to drop a few points here and there which makes a big ask.
"I am surprised after that Champions League final, which they should have won, how strong they've come back again."
The Etihad outfit have also been dominant in the Champions League, having claimed a smashing 5-0 win over Sporting CP in the last-16 first leg on Tuesday.
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