After 22 games played, 20 wins, two draws, zero losses. Manchester City seemed nearly unstoppable before they took on Liverpool. However, the Reds did what no team has done so far this season and handed City a defeat in the Premier League. It was a fast-paced, exhausting game between the league’s two best attacks who normally put on high scoring, spectacular games and this was no different.
This loss shouldn’t put a dent in Manchester City’s armour as they continue to run away with the league despite this loss, but this game showed to the world the progress made by Liverpool under Jürgen Klopp. City have been head and shoulders the best team in the league, untouchable at times which is why many tipped them to go the distance unbeaten, but Liverpool went toe-to-toe with the Champions elect and sent out the biggest statement they have under Klopp.
For most of that game, the Manchester club could not handle Liverpool’s press, trickery and desire to get a result. Liverpool had City on strings at times leaving their players shivering in their boots. Klopp came with a game plan and despite a nervy last 10 minutes that game plan was executed to perfection.
No one has done to Manchester City this season what Liverpool did. It as a truly special performance that emphasises what Klopp’s Liverpool are all about. Fast-paced, energetic, ruthless, relentless and hard working. Defensively solid. Midfield tireless. Attack deadly.
This was without our “best player” who was sold and our new £75 million centre-back. With just a little bit of fine-tuning, this team can challenge for anything. Virgil van Dijk has come in and hopefully will add the defensive solidity that has been needed at Liverpool for so long now. And whether he comes in this month or the summer Naby Keïta is what a Klopp midfielder looks like from the ground up. Add a good goalkeeper along with that and Liverpool have a team at can better anyone on any given day.
Just to put into perspective how impressive Liverpool’s win was, City registered their lowest amount of shots on target for the season so far with four. They also on average got dispossessed 10 times per game, against Liverpool they were dispossessed 24 times. And now with one loss City have only one fewer loss than Liverpool in the league this season, who themselves have lost twice. The score honestly flattered Manchester City. Liverpool outplayed them in every aspect.
Every Liverpool player put in a shift and showed just how good they can be. Especially new signings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Andy Robertson, proving that you should always show faith in the players Klopp signs regardless of their past. This sets up an exciting summer as Liverpool continue to be linked with some great players.
This was Liverpool at their heavy metal, ‘gegenpressing’ best. On the night where the future champions came to town Liverpool proved that they aren’t too far away from challenging for the title. It was a magical performance, a magical atmosphere and a magical night and there will be many more of those in the near future. Liverpool under Klopp are slowly but surely becoming the real deal.
