Manchester City 0 – 2 Liverpool – Premier League Man of the Match
Mohamed Salah
This game against Pep Guardiola was taken on by Arne Slot with such a precise and innovative strategy that it came as a shock to all on watchers. However, key elements from certain individuals were still required to ensure its inception turned to three points to extend Liverpool’s lead at the pinnacle of the Premier League table to eleven points.
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Starting eleven and subsequent system implemented by the Liverpool head coach, Arne Slot, was set out and into an immediate mid to low-level block, one which was orchestrated to counter against a team that invariably has most of the possession of the ball. Though many teams have tried and failed to initiate and follow through with this legitimate way of playing, the ferocity and attacking intent of the hosts was made clear by their attacking lineup.
The opening period of this game saw Liverpool willing to let Manchester City have the ball in key areas, whilst setting out their counterpress to target certain individuals in high-value areas of the pitch. The opening goal was created by a good passage of play which led to a corner for the Reds.
That corner saw Mac Allister drill the ball into Dominik Szoboszlai’s feet, who was able to nudge the ball towards the penalty spot where Mohammed Salah was lying in weight. A first-time finish was undertaken by the record-breaking scorer, which came moments after he had torn through half of the pitch.
The second goal of this game was again a superb passage of play which allowed the roles to be revered from original scorer and provider, as Liverpool’s famous number eleven squad a perfectly weighted pass to his Hungarian teammate, Dominik Szoboszlai, who was able to place the ball behind the beleaguered goalkeeper.
These two moments sat upon a brilliant defensive display from the Red’s starting centre-backs, however, the need to take advantage of limited attacking moments was taken on and achieved by this game’s man of the match, Mohamed Salah.
Next up will see Newcastle travel to Anfield on Wednesday evening, where the current league leaders will hope to extend their tremendous eleven-point advantage. Regarding this game and the 0-2 result, it perhaps showed a passing of the torch as Liverpool showed a power and confidence that the reigning champions could not compete with.
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Steven Smith’s Pre-match Prediction;
Manchester City 0 – 1 Liverpool
