Two managers who have been defeated by each other more times than any other manager. Two teams who have attained the pinnacle of English football in the past 5 years. Two sides to provide the highest-level clash in England.
Both lineups have about the same number of usual non-starters. Man City have the clearly stronger midfield, with Rodri, De Bruyne and Gundogan. Firmino is injured for Liverpool, and should and probably would have started otherwise. There is no VAR in this game.
Man City were in complete control of the game in the early stages and could have trashed their opponents within that period. Haaland beat the stationary Joe Gomez to a De Bruyne cross to score the opener.
Liverpool’s worst players initially were Gomez and Carvalho, who visibly struggled with the intensity of Manchester City. Carvalho’s opposite number Cole Palmer, on the other hand, was much more attuned and was a handful for James Milner. Man City were clearly superior in skill and quality.
Liverpool scored against the run of play after Matip’s trademark marauding run put the ball in the box for Milner, which Carvalho did well to coolly pass into the net. Centre-backs who carry the ball forward and break lines are so useful for attack.
Man City hit back early in the 2nd half when their balls to Riyad Mahrez finally paid off. But Liverpool equalised again quickly when Oxlade-Chamberlain played a great ball to Nunez who outpaced Laporte to assist Salah.
Nathan Ake got his goal after De Bruyne put in a magnificent, undefendable ball. Liverpool did not put enough pressure on De Bruyne, who played a number of wonderful crosses.
Throughout the game Nunez missed 3 good chances, with all of them trickling past the right side of the post. In contrast with Haaland’s swashbuckling style, Nunez feels pressured to perform and plays hesitantly.
Liverpool’s Keita played for the first time this season after an extended injury spell. He too played tentatively, likely also suffering from a lack of confidence. Nathaniel Phillips was solid defensively when he came on.
Sigh, when will Nunez and Keita come good and reach their potential? Time’s running out for Keita and there’s so much social media slander on Nunez. I really think Nunez is a monster that is yet to unleash.
Man City were expressly the better side tonight and go through deservedly. MOTM: De Bruyne
BLOGOPUS 