Guardiola's Nightmare Evening: City Dominates Liverpool But Suffers Humiliating Defeat

Merseysiders secure their first away win against Manchester City in nearly 10 years in the Premier League.

Liverpool faced struggling Manchester City against the backdrop of losses by Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, who occupy second and third places in the Premier League. The Reds had an excellent opportunity to extend their lead over Arsenal to 11 points, virtually securing the title with just 12 matches remaining.

However, Liverpool had only won one of their previous four games, so defeating their main rival and reigning champion was essential to restoring confidence. Meanwhile, City desperately needed the three points as well — both to return to the top three and to recover morale after their humiliating Champions League elimination.

A major question for the home team was whether Erling Haaland would play after missing the game against Real Madrid due to injury. The Norwegian was ultimately absent, forcing Pep Guardiola to rely again on Omar Marmoush. The Egyptian, still adjusting to his new surroundings, had shone once against Newcastle with a quick hat-trick but was otherwise unremarkable. This match was no different. Kevin De Bruyne returned to the starting lineup, but key defender Ruben Dias, despite recently recovering from injury, was left on the bench — a serious mistake, as we would soon see.

Arne Slot selected his optimal starting lineup, bringing no surprises. Looking ahead, Luis Diaz appeared uncomfortable leading the attack, yet the Dutch manager's decision was understandable: Cody Gakpo had only recently recovered from injury, Darwin Núñez had not scored in over a month and lacked confidence, and Diogo Jota had underwhelmed in his previous two starts.

The first half vividly exposed City's issues and showcased Liverpool's calm strength and confidence. The visitors managed just three shots on goal, two on target, but both resulted in goals. It wasn’t that the league leaders dominated their opponent — they simply capitalized perfectly on their chances, unlike the hosts.

Around fifteen minutes in, Liverpool brilliantly executed a corner kick. Dominik Szoboszlai moved to the near post, quickly flicking the ball to an unmarked Mohamed Salah. A deflection off Nathan Aké’s leg didn't detract from the quality of the goal but left Ederson with no chance to save his team.

Just before halftime, Liverpool delivered another decisive blow. An attack down the right flank saw Szoboszlai unmarked inside City's penalty area. Receiving Salah's pass, he deftly shielded the ball from Abdukodir Khusanov and slotted it between the legs of City's newcomer. The execution was so flawless that Ederson was completely frozen.

For City, the only notable presence in the first half was Jeremy Doku, who, despite limited effectiveness, at least remained noticeable. But what was De Bruyne doing on the pitch? And where did Phil Foden disappear? Eventually, the Belgian was substituted midway through the second half.

None of Guardiola's tactical changes altered the game's momentum. City dominated possession, trying to break down Liverpool's defense, but the visitors’ pragmatic approach prevented any real intrigue. In fact, Liverpool's lead could have increased further if not for VAR.

In summary, Manchester City's defenders twice left Szoboszlai and Salah unmarked inside the box, and the pair punished them decisively, turning Aké and Khusanov into amateurs. Perhaps Dias wouldn't have allowed such nightmares — but that's purely hypothetical.

Liverpool had won only one of their previous five meetings with City, and this was their first Premier League away win against City since November 2015. Yet the manner of this victory felt like the hallmark of true champions.

Published by Patrick Jane
24.02.2025