PEP WON’T STOP KLOPP TITLE WIN

Van Gaal backs Liverpool

BURTON inflicted a third successive heavy defeat on ROCHDALE, who have conceded 13 goals in those three games.

Marcus Myers-Harness (below) scored a hat-trick and laid on the other for Liam Boyce in the Brewers’ 4-0 away win.

Full-back Reece James was hero and villain as SUNDERLAND failed to climb into the top two after a 1-1 draw against CHARLTON at The Valley.

James’ cross set up Luke O’Nien to put the visitors ahead after just two minutes but his own goal gifted Charlton the point that keeps them one place behind their opponents in the play-off places.

James Perch scored his first goal for SCUNTHORPE in their 2-1 victory over COVENTRY. Levi Sutton added a second before Conor Chaplin headed a late goal for the visitors. Premier League visit to Brighton on Saturday. City face home ties against Rotherham in the FA Cup today and Burton in the Carabao Cup semis on Wednesday before resuming their title defence against Wolves at the Etihad a week tomorrow.

Van Gaal felt Thursday’s thrill-a-minute clash at the Etihad illustrated the strengths of Klopp’s team and the weaknesses Guardiola has to address.

He said: “The match proved to me that City cannot defend. When Liverpool equalised there were enough City defenders around to prevent it.

“Most of the time in the Premier League City don’t have to defend because they outplay most sides.

“When they face a strong side, like Liverpool, you can see that the City players are not able to defend properly. They look erratic.

“Just look at Roberto Firmino – he hardly touched a ball but his running for the team was incredible.

“Klopp also has Sadio Mane and even Mo Salah running their socks off in all matches. Those three help the others to defend, and they have the energy to counter-attack and create when they win the ball back.

“The excitement is huge right now. Three teams can still become champions because we can’t rule Tottenham out.”