---
title: "Four Findings: Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/columns/four-findings-manchester-city-1-2-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Fred Haas"
section: "Columns"
published: "2018-04-11T09:50:11Z"
modified: "2018-04-11T09:50:11Z"
---

# Four Findings: Manchester City 1-2 Liverpool

Liverpool entered the Etihad with a three goal advantage but they were still only slight favourites to advance. Against what has widely been considered Europe’s strongest side, Liverpool not only advanced but they beat Manchester City 2-1 in what could become an era-defining match.

This was a game that put Liverpool to the test. City were always going to come out flying but falling behind in the second minute only added pressure as the home side attacked with a blistering pace.

City forced the Reds deep into their own half and had them scrambling to hold off the hosts. Yet, the Reds got to the break only down one with a two goal advantage on aggregate.

After a questionable decision by Loris Karius to throw the ball out, Raheem Sterling put immediate pressure on Virgil van Dijk. The Dutchman compounded things with a rare poor decision of his own, as well as suffering a foul by Sterling without earning a whistle. Two passes later, Liverpool were looking at a 1-0 deficit and a City side who were energized with an early lead and newfound hope. It required the Reds to weather an absolute siege by Pep Guardiola’s men until halftime.

Second half adjustments by Jurgen Klopp saw Liverpool grow into the contest. Eventually, Mo Salah scored the prized away goal. As Guardiola watched from the stands, after being sent off during the break, the pressure swung violently back on the Spaniard’s side. Despite City’s attempts to claw back into the tie, Liverpool held them off with greater resolve. Then Roberto Firmino single-handedly stole the ball and stomped all chance of a miracle comeback with a tidy finish.

The Reds now enter the semi-final round as the only unbeaten side in the Champions League, having racked up more goals (33) than any other club. Even more impressive, Liverpool also posses the lowest goals conceded average of all the teams left in the competition.

Here are four findings from the match: