The most dangerous opponent Manchester City has ever faced confronted them in the place they enjoy the least, and they once more left Anfield empty-handed after losing to Liverpool.
Liverpool has been closely trailing City, who have won four titles in the past five seasons, but this stadium, in front of the Kop, is the one that causes them and manager Pep Guardiola the most discomfort, disappointment, and disagreement.
City has won at Anfield just twice in the previous 22 seasons, and one of those victories occurred during the epidemic behind closed doors without the energy and clamor that motivates Liverpool.
The 22 games have resulted in 14 losses, and City has now suffered another heartbreaking defeat after Mohamed Salah's breakaway goal in the 76th minute settled a full-throttle, foul-filled, yet thrilling encounter.
Guardiola was left with a familiar feeling after Erling Haaland's tug on Fabinho's shirt was ruled a foul by the video assistant referee, stopping celebrations in the home end and igniting joy and relief at Anfield. Guardiola felt that City were the victims of an injustice when Phil Foden's goal was disallowed by the VAR.
Near his technical area, Liverpool supporters also threw objects at City's manager, who was quoted as saying: "They attempted to throw coins at me, but they missed me. Maybe they'll perform better the next time."
Guardiola brought up the incident in which Liverpool fans attacked City's coach prior to a Champions League quarterfinal in April 2018.
Liverpool also released a statement denouncing "vile chants pertaining to football stadium disasters from the away section," and they said that a concourse had also been covered with similar-themed graffiti.
Guardiola and Manchester City do not enjoy playing at Anfield, and they will not feel any better about it now that they have suffered their first league road loss since falling to Tottenham on the opening weekend of the previous campaign. Additionally, it marked the first time all season that they failed to score in the league.
Given how City has been tearing up defenses this season with Haaland serving as the unstoppable spearhead, the latter figure may come as the biggest surprise of all.
In this instance, City's finishing touch—even Haaland's—was lacking, and in a game that frequently comes down to razor-thin margins, it was crucial.
City enjoyed prolonged possession of the ball and had a lot of it, but they once again lacked the finishing touch.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0