Cancelo fires message to Gabriel Jesus after Arsenal suffer title race blow

Gabriel Jesus and Joao Cancelo won two Premier League titles together during their time at Manchester City with both players now featuring for new clubs this season

The Brazilian striker has been a key figure in the Gunners' title challenge this term and once again proved to make a difference on Sunday afternoon, heading home to put Mikel Arteta's side 2-0 up inside 30 minutes against Liverpool. Unfortunately for Jesus and Arsenal, they could not go on to win the game and maintain their eight-point lead over City heading into their final eight games of the season.

Cancelo departed the Etihad Stadium to join Bayern on loan until the end of the season in the January transfer window. The Portuguese defender had seen his minutes in the first team significantly drop this season, resulting in him leaving the club in search of more regular play time.

The 28-year-old defender won two Premier League titles alongside Jesus and Zinchenko with City and has now sent a message to his former team-mate following the disappointing result against Jurgen Klopp's side.

Arsenal star Jesus posted on Instagram after the draw at Anfield with the caption: "Not the result we wanted, but always proud of this group.

"We still have a lot to fight yet. Let's do it together! *muscle emoji* *fist emoji*."

Cancelo commented on the post with the message: "Play hard *fire emoji*." It's clear the Portuguese defender is not engulfed by the ongoing battle between his parent club and Jesus' new team as he sent a supportive message to the Brazilian striker.

Guardiola's side now have the title in their own hands given the fact they have a game in hand on the Gunners, as well as having to play them at home later this month, along with a slightly superior goal-difference.

Should they win their remaining fixtures this season, City will go on to win a fifth Premier League title in six years - further cementing their place as one of the all-time great teams in Premier League history.

The Spaniard has won just once against Guardiola in eight attempts, highlighting his poor record against the former Bayern and Barcelona boss, but Arteta will hope Jesus and Zinchenko can help beat their former team to the title this time.

Xhaka revives Anfield, Arteta’s lesson and Ramsdale - Arsenal’s winners and losers at Liverpool