Football News: 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 this season. Finishing has been an issue for Liverpool before and again, in a match in which they were clearly the better team, they did not take one of those crucial opportunities. I think both sides would take a draw, but on balance of play, Liverpool could and should have won.

Player Ratings:

Kelleher - 6.5 - was not tested all that much in fairness. The goal was not great, but I don't think he could really be faulted. He made the saves he had to though at one point in the second half he opted to punch the ball instead of catch it and that almost proved very costly. He is doing well in Alisson's absence, the only criticism I can make is he is not Alisson, and that might make a difference (though it did not today). Distribution was good today too.

Bradley - 7 - I thought he did well. He defended all of their attacks down his flank assuredly, played good passes, looked a threat when allowed to get forward. Some talent.

Gomez - 7 - started at left-back, finished at right-back. I am not sure why he was preferred over Bradley when Robertson came on, but he did play better once he reverted to the right-back role. Though defensively good, he is a dominantly a right-footed player, and we definitely lack something going forward when he is the left-back. He was not as dynamic going forward as Bradley but he defended well for the most part and his versatility is a huge asset to the team.

Quansah - 7.5 - Haaland seemed to move towards his side as Van Dijk gave him nothing, but Quansah was just as solid. Did not really put a foot wrong, defended really well and distributed the ball well, and looked comfortable in that back 4, very impressive.

Van Dijk - 8 - An imperious performance from a player who seems to be relishing wearing the armband. Lead and marshalled the defense by example, kept our high line, distribution was on point. Playing his best football at the right time of the season.

Endo - 8.5 - he is the perfect player for our system and, when fit, I don't see how anybody else currently in the squad has a chance. Ferocious in the tackle, reads the game superbly, does not get phased by anything, passes well, did everything correct. Another great game, whisper it quietly, but he could have a case for being our player of the season.

Mac Allister - 9 (MOTM) - his best display in red for me. Oozed quality on the ball and his ability to find players and expand our play really helped him control the game. Add to that his incessant pressing and real bite in the tackle, and he was the most influential player on the pitch.

Szobozlai - 6.5 - some good moments, he has really good vision. And his pressing is exceptional, has an intuitive understanding of when to push. He looks like he's not quite up to speed though, and his substitution was definitely the correct call.

Elliott - 8 - first half he was playing on the right wing. Whilst he struggled to impact things attacking wise he did link up with Bradley, and he made sure not to lose possession. Second half, after Salah was introduced, he was so much more effective centrally. He gave absolutely everything and did not stop running and pressing. Was also really tidy on the ball and linked play well. He is making a really strong case to be the first choice midfielder. On the right, I don't think he has the pace or trickery to really be effective, but needs must sometimes. Centrally he is getting better and better.

Diaz - 8.5 - frustrating that he missed such clear chances, but his overall performance was extraordinary. Seemed to find extra levels of both energy and quality, and absolutely tortured them on the left. A goal would have been the icing on the cake and, if he had scored, would probably be Man of the Match.

Nunez - 7.5 - ran himself ragged as he always does and never allowed City to settle. First half he was caught out by their high line a few times, but second half he dealt with it much better. Won us a penalty, linked up superbly, had a good chance to score, another influential performance.

Subs:

Robertson - 7 - came on and immediately we looked to have more options out wide. He does give us a bit extra offensively and it helps the whole attack out. Also kept Foden very quiet second half.

Salah - 6.5 - think it was clear that he was not match fit, but he still found himself getting into the right areas and having opportunities. Did unfortunately look for a penalty late on and, in that position, probably could have done better.

Gakpo - 5 - I do not want to be too harsh on him, but it looks glaringly obvious that he is not meshing well within this team at the moment. Struggles to get on the ball, seems to lack confidence when he does. Had a chance to shoot, but dallied on it so long that it came and went. The only player who did not play well in my opinion. I hope he can get out of this bad run of form but, right now, he looks like a player who is not sure of his function in the team when he is brought on. Jota coming back is a must as Gakpo is not affecting games at the moment.

Klopp:

Got his tactics spot on, made tweaks for the second half which helped us push and contain them. He will he wondering how we did not win the game and probably view this as 3 points lost. There are not many games left, so I am sure we will be taking it one game at a time and focusing on each opponent, rather than the end goal which is still a long way off.

Officiating:

We have to speak of this because once again a big decision has gone City's way (don't they all). Firstly a slither of credit to the officials - they actually booked Rodri for one of his cynical tackles which almost never happens, and that rightfully impacted his effectiveness. They also booked Silva similarly and when City are meted out the punishment deserved it does affect them.

Now for the problems: the first goal - though I do think Mac Allister needs to be more aggressive rather than letting himself be manoeuvred out of the way - looks like clear obstruction and thus a foul. Endo was penalised for something less egregious in the Carabao Cup Final, it seems again they make it up as they go.

Secondly, the penalty. Ederson not only denied a clear and obvious goal scoring opportunity, but he did do recklessly. That could and probably should have been a red card but again City seemingly get the benefit of the doubt.

Thirdly, the Doku challenge. Anywhere on the pitch that is a foul and probably a yellow card. If it happens at the other end I think City get a penalty. The nonsensical reasoning for the decision of his "foot being in a natural position" makes zero sense. He made contact at chest height with Mac Allister - it was reckless and should have been a penalty. Again, City are given a huge benefit of the doubt.

My big gripe is that City always seem to get the benefit of the doubt. The big decisions always seem to fall in their favour and yes, I am saying it feels like deliberate bias towards them. Any of those decisions in isolation I can take, but to have all of the crucial decisions favour the away team seems odd. Tierney on VAR also speaks volumes and I think it is clear that certain officials have certain agendas they follow. That Doku challenge is so blatant that it is unfathomable that it was not given - if it happened at the other end and was not given there would be screams of LiVARpool. How many more times will City get a helping hand this season?

Conclusions:

A pulsating game, great entertainment, a little bit of disappointment that Liverpool did not get the win they deserved. The mantra, one game at a time is now in force until the season's end, I hope the players can maintain the levels of quality and grit they are showing us.

Written by Seano_ March 11 2024 09:03:29