Manchester City 4 - 1 Liverpool - The Post-Mortem
Another away game and yet another loss. This was probably the most anticipated result of Liverpool’s season, with a complete difference in both class and endeavour from the two sides. Where this game had previously represented the meeting of England’s top two sides for 4-5 years, this was a million miles away from that point in time. My pre game prediction was a 3-1 home win, which showed my naivety in all honesty. The result should have been more damning, …
Lessons Learned: Manchester City
It’s hard to believe it was even a contest for the first half it seems that long ago. Liverpool weren’t just beaten by Manchester City they were outworked, outfought and second best in every measure. For all that seemed good for the first forty-five, it was the exact opposite in a second-half where you couldn’t blame a number of the travelling Kop for making an early dart. The difference in mentality and attitude between the two teams was laid bare …
Can The Manchester City News Galvanise the Reds?
On late Monday morning, Manchester City were charged with multiple breaches of the Premier Leagues financial rules, that could go back a number of years, to when they were first purchased. I am sure one of my Anfield Index colleagues will delve deeper into what comes next, with a Mo Chatra podcast almost certainly incoming. My plan is to look at how this news could affect the serial Premier League champions, and whether some form of boost can be taken …
Liverpool v Man City - The First Hurdle
We all know that the community shield is little more than a glorified friendly, but when two particular sides collide, sometimes it brings a little more needle and attention.
Not since the days of Fergie’s Manchester United & Arsene’s Arsenal, have we seen such a long running duel between two English domestic sides. City are without doubt the recent victors overall, but Liverpool remain that relentless element in their side. The on going transfer window has seen both sides evolve …
Footballs Of Steel
The past weekend saw a remarkable run of results continue, as Liverpool saw off Newcastle at St James' Park. The Reds are in the midst of a battle across three remaining fronts, with Villarreal dispatched after a minor scare in midweek.
Earlier in the year I wrote a piece named ‘Rotation, Rotation, Rotation’, as the Reds continued to smartly use the depth of their squad. It’s always been a tricky subject for clubs that partake in rotation, as the squads' …
Observations: Liverpool book their place in the Final
The most notable factor in the buildup to the FA Cup semi-final was the team selection of Man City. The absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker was expected after their midweek knocks, but Pep Guardiola also rested Rodri, Ederson, and Laporte. This ended up being crucial, as City no longer had their three best tempo controllers from deep positions. Whilst in the league meeting, City had done an excellent job of neutering Liverpool's press before launching comfortable long …
RAW: Hapless Henderson & Sloppy Set Pieces
It was billed as the title decider between the best two football teams on the planet. A chance to expand the lead over Liverpool for Man City, or an opportunity for the Reds to go clear at the top of the table.
On Post-Match RAW, Trevor Downey was joined by Jim Boardman and Dave Hendrick to look back at the 2-2 draw with the Citizens at the Ethiad.
First up is Dave, who wasn't pleased with elements of the side …
Observations: The Great Rivals don't give each other an inch
Similar to their first clash at Anfield, Liverpool and Man City were the better team for one half each at the Etihad. Man City stifled Liverpool and broke through after waves of pressure, then in the second half, the Reds closed down the paths through and created a number of quick attack opportunities.
The first half display from Liverpool was largely due to City's excellent press. Guardiola tweaked the team shape for the game, using a 4-2-3-1 with Sterling as …
Bobby & The Etihad Corral
The gunfight at the O.K Corral is an historical moment that has been retold many times over, throughout various western movies. Depending on your age, movies that still seem fairly modern to me will probably be deemed ancient by the generations born after me. Tombstone was a brilliant film that had every scene stolen by Val Kilmer, as the notorious gunslinger, Doc Holiday. This man was a peculiar man, that had a charming manner and bespoke ability in particular situations. …
Klopp vs Pep - The Numbers Behind The Rivalry
Is it the greatest rivalry in the history of English football? Jurgen Klopp versus Pep Guardiola, Liverpool versus Manchester City. Records are constantly being broken: the first and only team to achieve 100 points in a league season (Man City - 2017/18); the biggest lead ever in English football at the top of the table (Liverpool, 25 points - 2019/20); most consecutive wins in all competitions (Man City - 23, 2021/22); earliest title victory in history (Liverpool, with seven games …