Alvarez, Jesus lauded by their coaches

Manchester City thumped Liverpool 4-1 even without goal machine Erling Haaland in their ranks but Arsenal took another step towards a first Premier League title in nearly 20 years as they matched the champions with a 4-1 win over Leeds United on Saturday.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and his City counterparts Pep Guardiola had some special accolades for their two South American stars ---Gabriel Jesus and Julian Alvarez—after the wins in their respective matches. 

For Arteta the return of Jesus to his forward line must feel like the signing of a new player.

The Brazilian was back in the starting line-up for the first time in the Premier League since November on Saturday and struck twice in a 4-1 defeat of Leeds United.

The former Manchester City frontman, who suffered a knee injury at the World Cup, was substituted in the second half and left the pitch to a standing ovation.

His first goals in six months helped Arsenal restore their eight-point lead over Manchester City in the title race and with nine games remaining the Londoners are close to winning the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

There are several tough hurdles still to overcome and Arteta's squad is being stretched by injuries and illness, but Jesus being back is a massive tonic.

"Delighted for him. They all were. We were all clapping for him," Arteta told reporters. "He's been working so hard for the last four or five months with a lot of support from the team and the staff. Today he deserved the chance to start.

"He grabbed the opportunity with a lot of conviction and with two goals."

On the other hand, in the wake of another superb display from the Argentine striker Alvarez, Guardiola described the 23-year-old as 'something special'.

The World Cup winner led the City line with aplomb, scoring to level in the first half after Mo Salah had given Liverpool an early lead.

Alvarez then showed his vision too with a brilliant ball to set up Riyad Mahrez which paved the way for Kevin De Bruyne's 46th minute strike to give City the lead and he also played a key role in Ilkay Gundogan's strike which made it 3-1.

"He's playing for World Champions, Argentina, next to Messi for a reason! Not just the goal, the assist in the second, the third….He was involved in everything. With the ball, so cleaver. He's exceptional payer," said Guardiola.

"Tactics is players. Erling is something special. Julian is something special too," he added.

"The club made an exceptional signing with him – he's a world champion alongside Lionel Messi because he has something."

Manchester City paid 18.5 million euros with taxes for Alvarez and also rewarded him with new deal and salary improved until 2028.