Liverpool went into last nights game on the back of being crowned Premier League champions last Thursday but were humbled by a Manchester City side who were keen to lay down a marker.
Goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain own goal rounded off a 4-0 win for the hosts as the champions suffer a heavy defeat at the Etihad.
Champions Liverpool Suffer Heavy Defeat Against Manchester City
Good Start From Liverpool
Liverpool started well and caused problems for City with their press. Roberto Firmino failed to pounce after a Sadio Mané effort was saved by Ederson. Mohammed Salah also hit the post for the visitors. Liverpool were turning the ball over a lot in the first half but couldn’t find the right pass in the final third, which frustrated manager Jürgen Klopp.
Manchester City Blue Wave
When City beat the press they had Liverpool on the back foot. De Bruyne was picking up brilliant positions behind Liverpool’s midfield and with Foden narrow too, it created a box midfield for City. City then won a penalty after Joe Gomez bundled over Sterling. City’s captain De bruyne dispatched it with ease.
Foden would soon find Sterling minutes later who beat Gomez and made it 2-0. Liverpool started to crumble and it wasn’t long before Foden made it three after a one-two with De Bruyne. Half time couldn’t come quick enough for Klopp’s men.
Less Entertaining Second-Half
No team looked threatening after the break but Liverpool did have chances through Mané and Trent Alexander- Arnold, but City would soon make it four. The game went through the motions after that but there was time for some VAR drama with Riyad Mahrez convinced he’d added a fifth, but it was ruled out for a handball in the buildup.
Conclusion
City were out to put a marker down for next season. It wasn’t as if Liverpool played poorly or weren’t bothered, they just lost concentration too often and didn’t take their chances. Jürgen Klopp was not too happy after but felt his side had “promising moments.”
The German added that City “proved a point.” Pep Guardiola was full of praise for his side and gave his team “a lot of credit” as he felt the Liverpool side is the best team “he has ever faced.”
Liverpool host Aston Villa on Sunday as City travel to Southampton on the same day.
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