· 2 min readIn this Liverpool vs Man City match, I analyse the key tactical moments, individual performances and turning points of the game.
Anfield was ready for a big game, but both teams had something to prove. Liverpool were still unbeaten this season, although their performances had been far from ideal, while Manchester City arrived with five wins from five league games. For the Reds, the absences of Isak and Szoboszlai meant changes to the starting XI, with 21-year-old Koumas handed his first Premier League start. And against City, no less. It was hardly an easy way to make your debut.
The atmosphere at Anfield was incredible, with the fans putting pressure on City every time they had the ball. And for much of the first half, Liverpool managed to stop the visitors from settling into their usual game. There was intensity, plenty of duels and even a few heated exchanges, but what really matters was missing: danger. By the 33rd minute, City hadn’t even had a shot, while Liverpool, despite having the upper hand, were also struggling to create clear-cut chances.
Wirtz once again raised questions. His passing wasn’t coming off, and the German looked a long way from the influence expected of him. Koumas also struggled with the demands of a debut like this, while Víctor Muñoz brought pace and intent down the right.
At the other end, Van Dijk had to step out of position several times to deal with Cherki. At half-time, Liverpool had five shots to City’s three, but the expected goals figures summed up the lack of attacking quality: 0.36 against 0.07. A very poor first half, without a single big chance.
Liverpool started the second half better. Koumas struck a powerful shot, Gravenberch and Mac Allister had attempts of their own, and City finally seemed to be struggling. In the 54th minute, Koumas once again failed to connect with a cross from Araújo despite being in a good position. You have to appreciate the youngster’s willingness to get involved, but also recognise that he’s still raw for this level. That’s only natural, but Liverpool needed more end product.
The game changed in the 62nd minute. Gravenberch, who had been having a good game, received his second yellow card for bringing down Doku on a counter-attack. The contact looked slight, but having already been booked, he needed to be more careful. Down to ten men, Liverpool were left exposed, and City made them pay.
In the 65th minute, Doku cut inside and, after the ball broke loose in the box, Haaland got ahead of Van Dijk and struck it with ridiculous power. That’s what makes the Norwegian such a frightening striker: he doesn’t need many chances to decide a game.
Three minutes later, Doku was at it again on the left, cutting inside and curling the ball into the far top corner. He came on and changed the game. Simple as that. Liverpool lost control, the fans started hearing City’s “olé” chants, and in the 78th minute, Cherki put the finishing touch on the night with a stunning goal. He let the ball run through to Gvardiol, received it back, sent Frimpong the wrong way with a feint and fired into the back of the net. A moment of outstanding quality.
Liverpool still tried to get back into the game, but the sending-off had ruined everything. City took advantage of the space, were ruthless and left Anfield with a 3-0 win.
Post-match
For Liverpool, the concerns are the lack of creativity and the inability to respond when the game changed, which is understandable. For City, it was a display of efficiency and talent that explains why they remain so difficult to stop.
