In the match of the Premier League season, defending champions Manchester City reignited the title race with some turnabout. Just as the Reds ended City’s unbeaten league run last year, Liverpool lost their first of the season 2-1 at the Etihad.
The two best teams in the country clashed in an exhausting contest that highlighted just how little there is between the sides. This match lived up to the hype in what is quickly becoming one of Europe’s marquee matchups.
The pace and power on display was breathtaking as the match ebbed and flowed between both sides. In a match with such fine margins, Manchester City edged the Reds at home with a win at all costs performance. Liverpool had chances but lacked a little luck and their finishing ruthlessness that has seen them string together their historic run.
Sergio Aguero got the better of Dejan Lovren, who failed to find the striker in a scramble, before the Argentine blasted a point-blank shot past Alisson. Later, Roberto Firmino equalised, finishing an exquisite criss-crossing sequence.
Yet, multiple goal line clearances stymied the Reds. Sadio Mané’s shot hit the post and bounced out in the first half. Leroy Sane’s shot hit the post and bounced in at the end of the second half. That proved the difference between a loss and a draw. As hard as losing might be in the moment, Liverpool played well and still sit top of the table by four points.
Here are four findings from the match.
