Man City finally got their mojo back as they beat Liverpool by 5 goals to nil at the Etihad Stadium.
The Blues had to labour to wins in their previous game and they did not like the lethal team they are expected to be but against Klopp’s men they turned the tide.
Goals from Sergio Aguero and a brace each by youngsters Gabriel Jesus and Leroy Sane saw City hammer the Reds who were on the backfoot right from the first half after Sadio Mane was sent off for a reckless challenge.
Here are the major talking points from Man City’s thrashing of Liverpool:
1) Mane’s red card – Harsh or fair?
The game was very much in the balance and THAT happened. Sadio Mane was shown a straight red by Jon Moss after his high boot clattered into goalkeeper Ederson’s face. Not only the managers but Journalists, Pundits and experts all over the world were divided in opinion of the decision. Mane clearly had no intention of hurting his opposite but the leg was raised very high and caused a dangerous situation. Nonetheless, he will rue the fact that he went for it anyway as he misses Liverpool’s 3 next domestic games.
2) Clinical City
Many said that Aguero and Jesus together is not an option that will work but the South American duo is out to shut the doubters. City were struggling to find the back of the net in their previous three fixtures but they had no such problem against Klopp’s men. De Bruyne, Aguero, Jesus, and Sane all brought their A-Game as they ravaged past a hapless Liverpool side.
3) Flying full backs
City’s record signings Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker played together for the first time and it was a sight to behold. The full-backs, especially after Mane’s red, were continuously raiding down the flanks with the former impressing particularly with his threatening crosses that eventually set up Sane for City’s 4th.
4) Liverpool lack a Plan B
Agreed that being a man down when away to Man City was never going to be an easy task but Liverpool did not even put up a fight.
Most teams organise their defences and become tougher to break after being a man down but Liverpool seem to lack a Plan B. Klopp’s men when on the attack are so vicious but extremely timid when asked to defend. Klopp needs to drill his side to defend better as a team or it could be the difference between them and any title to be won.
5) Ederson injury
Ederson was finally looking like the solution to City’s goalkeeping dilemma and tragedy struck. The Brazilian did not show any signs of movement after going down from Mane’s challenge and City feared the worst with broken bones or concussion.
He was assessed by medics after the game who concluded he hadn’t suffered a concussion or broken any bones and he tweeted afterwards: “Hi, everyone – I am well. What a fright! It was an important win for us. We are strong. Thanks for all your messages of support.”
Hopefully, he can return quickly and build on his impressive start to life at City.
Read: Man City players’ rating vs Liverpool
