- Man City face Everton on Monday night
- They are six points behind Arsenal
- Failing to win could cost City the title
Former Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood says Manchester City will miss out on the Premier League title if they drop points against Everton on Monday night.
City travel to the Hill Dickinson Stadium knowing that anything but three points will hand Arsenal a massive advantage heading into the final weeks of the season.
The Carabao Cup winners are six points behind ahead of tonight’s game, but have two games in hand over Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.
However, failing to take maximum points against the Toffees could be catastrophic, with Sherwood believing it would end the title race completely.
Tim Sherwood says Manchester City must beat Everton
Speaking on Sky Sports, Sherwood argued that any slip-up against Everton would spell the end of City’s title hopes.
He claimed that failure to secure maximum points on Merseyside would effectively hand Arsenal the title, making Monday’s game an absolute must-win.
Sherwood said: “I think so [that momentum is with Arsenal]. I think six points, I know City have the games in hand, but Arsenal with three games left.
“I think it’s a massive game tonight. They’ve had a break [City players]. He sent them away on holiday. Pep knows exactly what he’s doing, this guy. He’s obviously done it multiple times before.
"If they don't take maximum points tonight, the season is over."
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 4, 2026
Tim Sherwood discusses whether the title race is over if Man City drop points tonight 👀#SkySportsFC pic.twitter.com/2Dp5lZWQ32
“But also, Everton have had a nice break and they’ll be fresh as well. They’re chasing their own prize. European football for Everton is a magnificent return for what has been a positive season for them.
“So Pep’s absolutely spot on. It won’t be easy, and I think if they take anything but maximum points tonight, the season’s over. It’s done,” he continued.
“I think it really is. Any team that drops points at this stage of the sason, I think psychologically it’s a huge blow for them.
“I said if Arsenal were to beat Newcastle and Fulham, they’d win the Premier League, so i’ll stick to my guns.
Everton will not roll over for City
Despite what many City fans will be hoping for, Monday’s game is not likely to be a pushover for the visitors.
As Sherwood mentioned, Everton have their own aspirations for the end of the season. David Moyes’ side are eyeing a return to European football, and are just five points off sixth-placed Bournemouth.
Despite losing their last two in a row, the Toffees will know that a win on home turf could put them right back into the battle for a top-six finish, and they will fancy their chances at the Hill Dickinson.
Make or break for Man City
While the title cannot mathematically be decided this week, Sherwood is right that failing to beat Everton would be a disaster for City.
Arsenal have shown in recent seasons that they often crumble under pressure, but failing to keep that pressure on the Gunners and allowing them some breathing room would be an awful result for the Sky Blues.
Maximum points against the Toffees won’t win the title for City, but failing to win could certainly lose them the title.
