Gerrard: City Must Lose Titles After Financial Rules Breach

Steven Gerrard has made a seismic shift in his Premier League title prediction, now backing Manchester City after their 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield ^[1]. The Liverpool legend, who once captained the team that finished runners-up to City in 2014, praised Enzo Maresca’s side as 'outstanding' and 'ready' to win the title, calling them a 'fantastic team' with players ready to win in every position.

Yet in a stark reversal, Gerrard has also called for historic sanctions against City, stating they should be stripped of all trophies won between 2009 and 2018 — the period during which an independent commission found them guilty of breaching financial rules ^[2]. He argued that while individual players shouldn’t be penalised, the club must face consequences: 'The club, they have to be stripped'.

Gerrard suggested a multi-year punishment including transfer bans and points deductions, warning that a relegation would be unfair to Championship clubs who would likely be outmatched by City’s strength ^[2]. He stressed the need for a 'strong' decision from the Premier League, adding that City’s success 'took away memories' from rivals, including himself, who never won the title.

Jamie Carragher echoed the sentiment, saying only City and Arsenal are genuine title contenders, and praised Maresca’s tactical acumen after City’s wins at Anfield and Old Trafford ^[1]. However, Carragher warned that the ongoing legal uncertainty undermines the integrity of the league, calling for a resolution to restore faith in the competition.

The debate intensifies as City’s appeal remains pending, and fans and pundits alike question whether a title win under current circumstances would be meaningful ^[1]. Gerrard, while acknowledging the quality of City’s players, insists the legacy of their success must be tarnished to set a precedent ^[2]. According to, the Premier League’s final punishment for City has not been confirmed.