Manchester City came from behind to dismantle Liverpool 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium and maintain the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Pep Guardiola’s title challenge looked to be hanging by a thread when Mohamed Salah gave the away side an early lead but Julian Alvarez equalised before second-half goals from Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish saw City surge to victory.
The win narrowed the gap on Arsenal to five points at the full-time whistle and offered a timely reminder that Guardiola’s team remain a potent force even without their top scorer Erling Haaland, who was watching – and cheering – his team-mates from the stands.
How Man City turned it around
Manchester City started brightly, controlling possession with John Stones alongside Rodri in midfield, but Liverpool’s threat on the counter-attack was obvious. Salah was ruthless in exposing the City defence with a fine finish after Diogo Jota sprung the offside trap.
Salah was through again soon after but it proved to be the pivotal moment in the match. Grealish intercepted his centre and was back down the other end moments later providing the assist for Alvarez’s equaliser, the culmination of a sumptuous City move.
It was a big moment for the Argentine, taking responsibility for leading the line in Haaland’s absence, and it felt like a big moment in the title race too.
These two teams have so often been contesting that title in recent seasons, but Liverpool’s struggles did not take the edge off this one – duels between Grealish and Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manuel Akanji and Jordan Henderson, adding to the sense of occasion.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, their form does not match that competitive spirit and the game soon went away from them in the second half. It took De Bruyne just 53 seconds to put City in front after Alvarez found Mahrez in space out wide with a brilliant pass.
Alvarez was involved in the third too, his left-footed shot blocked near the line by Alexander-Arnold but only as far as Gundogan. The skipper had enough time to pick his spot and ease the tension around the Etihad Stadium. City never relinquished control.
All that remained was for Grealish to score himself, slotting beyond Alisson after collecting De Bruyne’s pass inside. The gap to Arsenal remains significant, but so too is the quality of the reigning champions. Their hopes of a treble remain. Liverpool are clinging to sixth.
Sky Sport
DISCLAIMER
The OPINION / COLUMN is authored by independent contributors to the National Accord Newspaper. While contributors adhere to our editorial guidelines, they are not employed by the National Accord Newspaper. The perspectives and opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not represent the views of the National Accord Newspaper or its staff.