Actually the results of last weekend's match against Chelsea, which only drew, have made it difficult for Manchester City to become champions. because even though they won the postponed match the points they got were still 1 point behind Liverpool.
City have only target this season and that's winning the EPL title and bringing it over to Etihad stadium. I'm proud about the results Chelsea keep constant draw records against the Citizens. This was not easy as it seems to be a good job for Mauricio Pochettino. Manchester City failed to win the Blues in the second EPL meetings this season. There are clearly good chances of winning matches for Pep Guardiola but he keep relenting each time he faces elite sides in the Englis Premier League. He have to improve in his strategies because that's the one way to keep his team intact towards accumulating three points.
Manchester City is amazingly well position to win the title and a draw against Chelsea doesn't cost them the win of the Premier League in 2024. The Citizens still play all the important games against Liverpool (away from home), Arsenal and Aston Villa (both at home). How is that a bad position for them since they also have a game in hand and are 4 points behind Liverpool...
No, there is no such thing as the only target for a team like Manchester City. Their target is to win every title possible. They want to win the Premier League, the Champions League and the FA Cup.
Since Liverpool has shown a high of consistency, I think Guardiola and the Citizens know that it will take more than usual to win the Premier League this season, but if I compare the quality of the teams, I would still see a minor advantage for Manchester City. But it is a big advantage that Liverpool plays the game against the Citizens at Anfield Road. That can make a difference in their favor.
Ten Hag is saving his position at the moment as he doesn't leave Manchester United with the option to fire him if the team keeps collecting their points. They are definitely on an uptrend. He somehow gets it done when there is an emergency, but I won't ever become a fan of him.