Liverpool didn’t put on an offensive display against Manchester City, but still managed to take three important points. In addition to their clinical finish in front of goal, Liverpool’s defense in particular made the difference.
Haaland was still on the bench when Real Madrid won 3-1, but the Norwegian didn’t even make it into the matchday squad for the clash with the league leaders despite being injured. Stones was also missing through injury, with Lewis moving into the back four in his place. In addition, coach Pep Guardiola opted for Aké, De Bruyne and Doku instead of Ruben Dias, Gündogan and Bernardo Silva (all on the bench).
It was much easier to look at the starting lineup of the Reds, who had also been in action during the week. After the 2-2 draw at Aston Villa, LFC coach Arne Slot opted for Luis Diaz instead of Diogo Jota (bench).
Salah completes a rehearsed corner kick variation
The table situations were not initially reflected in the course of the game at the Etihad Stadium, instead the Skyblues took control for the time being. However, the first attacks did not result in any clear-cut chances.
It was different on the other side, where Liverpool struck ice-cold in the wake of the first corner. Mac Allister’s low cross was extended by Szoboszlai to Salah, who scored the 1-0 with the practiced variation. Extremely unfortunate for ManCity, because Aké deflected the ball decisively (14′).
The hosts shook themselves briefly, but were the more active and offensive team in the aftermath. With the help of the 4-1-4-1 formation, City was able to tie the Reds deep in their own half of the field at times, but were unlucky that Marmoush’s equalizer did not count due to a clear offside position (30′ ).
With 68 percent possession and significantly more shots on target, the statistics at half-time spoke for Guardiola’s men – but the scoreboard actually showed 0-2 at the end of the first 45 minutes. Szoboszlai had since increased the visitors’ lead with a low shot following a Salah assist (37′). In addition to Liverpool’s clinical nature, their defense in particular made the difference.
VAR concedes Jones’s 3-0
Even after the restart, the Skyblues were by no means outplayed, but the Reds were responsible for the next notable offensive action. Gravenberch found the just-off Szoboszlai in the deep, who laid the ball across to Jones, who had followed through, and the Reds’ supposed assist provider was on the scene. A few moments later, the VAR conceded the goal (57′ ).
Both Alisson (58th, against Marmoush) and Ederson (64th, against Luis Diaz) prevented further goals at the Etihad Stadium, where the now pouring rain was symbolic of the hapless performance of the home team. Despite 16:6 shots, ManCity were still trailing 0:2 with around ten minutes left.
Reds and Salah continue to pull away
The Reds held on to claim their 19th win of the season. This means that City’s injured striker Haaland, who is out with an injury, had to watch from the stands as Salah extended his lead in the scoring charts.
Both teams are back in action in the Premier League on Wednesday. While ManCity are guests at Tottenham Hotspur (20.30), Liverpool will host the Magpies from Newcastle (21.15), who won 4-3 against third-placed Nottingham on Sunday.
