Size of Liverpool's Premier League task laid bare as Man City show their hand with transfer

Manchester City are showing no signs of slowing down as they try and win their fifth successive Premier League title. Pep Guardiola's side started their top-flight campaign with a routine 2-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge thanks to goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic.

Despite the riches Chelsea have spent over the past two years, City displayed why they have been - and still are - the best team in the country. Although Chelsea had chances to score, it didn't feel like City were out of control at any moment and could step it up one or two gears whenever they wanted to.

After Arsenal and Liverpool tasted victory on Saturday, both would have been hoping to see City drop points even at such an early stage but Guardiola's side didn't buckle under that pressure. And since then, it has emerged that City are set to strengthen their squad with the re-signing of Ilkay Gundogan.

The 33-year-old, who left City upon the expiry of his contract last summer, is set to return to the club from Barcelona on a free transfer. Gundogan was pivotal during City's treble-winning campaign and despite entering the twilight of his career, the German is no doubt going to add another ounce of quality to their midfield.

With City signing proven Premier League talent for free and rivals spending money in attempt to catch them, that just shows how difficult the task might be for Liverpool to win the title this season. Arne Slot's side are yet to make a signing this summer but started the season with a 2-0 win at newly-promoted Ipswich.

It was a professional performance from the Reds, who got the job done in the end thanks to second-half strikes from Diogo Jota and Mohamed Salah. However, it does fee like Liverpool need to dip into the market to sign at least one new player before the transfer window slams shut later this month.

The Reds finished third last season, nine points behind eventual champions City and seven adrift of second-place Arsenal and there is optimism that they can be up there challenging again this season. And while Arsenal look strong and will no doubt fancy their chances to win the title, City are the ones to beat once again - and the signing of Gundogan for free is going to take their squad up a notch.