Liverpool vs Manchester City: Review

What has become the blue ribbon fixture of the season delivered another intense, pulsating encounter. Both teams had good chances, Manchester City had the better first half, Liverpool dominated the second. Liverpool struggled to get to grips with City’s crisp passing and attacking in the first 25 minutes or so and gave up possession too easily. After that they had more possession, more of the ball, but little by way of clear cut chances.

Second half was a totally different story, Liverpool raced out of the blocks, earned and scored a penalty, and created numerous clear cut chances. City were lucky that Liverpool were so wasteful in front goal as it could have easily been 3 or 4 by the end. City did carry some threat going forward, and Doku went very close when he hit the post, but those chances were few and far between. The midfield was where the battle was won and the intensity and quality of Liverpool was why they enjoyed so much positive play in the second half. It may be one of those games you look back on with regret, but the team played very well and can be proud of that performance.

Manchester City:

Looked to monopolise possession early on and were just a bit quicker with the ball. They moved it well and created a few presentable chances first half. Their goal was a well worked corner routine which Liverpool should have dealt with better, but there are question marks over the City player pushing and obstructing Mac Allister. As the second half concluded they were more defensive but organised well enough to deal with Liverpool’s attack.

Second half was a siege, they were outfought for large parts of the game. Ederson was very lucky not to get a red card, there were 3 to 4 gilt-edged chances for Liverpool who squandered clear openings. The pressure unsettled City and by the end it seems as if they were hanging on for the draw. City will be more than content with a draw despite claims they were looking to win the game – only one team looked like doing so.

Liverpool:

Arguably the best performance of the season and with a slew of first team players still out injured. The battle was won in midfield, but the assured defensive display helped as well. No one had a bad game, every player looked like they had turned up ready to fight, and that attitude was vital in getting under City’s skin and disrupting their play.

The pressing was excellent and what lead to the equaliser, and it was probably one of the most complete performances we have given…