Crisis averted then for Manchester City. Or perhaps that should read crisis postponed? The champions of England escaped the league phase and through a certain prism, there is a case to be made that Pep Guardiola's side are well into the post-nadir period of their season.

Pep Guardiola did not hold back his honest assessment of Manchester City's Champions League hopes this season. Manchester City saved their Champions League season with a 3–1 victory over Club Brugge on the final day of the Champions League league phase.

Liverpool has been handed an advantage in the Premier League because of what happened during the final night of Champions League action - and Arne Slot will be delighted