It started off pretty crap for Liverpool in the first half as they struggled to keep hold of the ball and move it up the pitch due to a combination of Manchester City’s press and some just plain poor passing. Despite the lack of possession, the visitors struggled to create much of anything outside of an opening salvo.
Liverpool came out much stronger in the second half, piling on more and more pressure until a Dominik Szoboszlai broke the deadlock. The Reds seemed the more likely side to find another goal, but a bit of fortune gave Manchester City the equalizer after a blocked cross deflected perfectly for the head of Erling Haaland to nod into the path of Bernardo Silva. Alisson was whistled for a penalty in a situation we have seen time and time again go uncalled, allowing Haaland the opportunity to steal a win. A bizarre sequence at the death saw Liverpool denied a penalty claim, and then the ball worked forward for an open net opportunity with Szoboszlai and Haaland trading shirt tugs. The goal was initially awarded, and then called back for a foul on Haaland, but then pulled back even further for a foul on Szoboszlai that was given as denial of a goal scoring opportunity and a red card to the emergency right back.
Below, we take a look at some winners and losers on the night, and attempt to disentangle narrative from fact.
Dominik Szobszlai
I’m not sure there are enough words in the English language to describe just how good that free kick was by Dom. He somehow managed to get the ball to swerve in two different directions, leaving Donnarumma rooted to his line as the ball pinged off the inside of the post.
Beyond the absolute world class goal, Szobo yet again put in a ridiculous shift from the right back spot. He finished with 2 shots, 2 tackles, and 3 clearances while completing over 80% of his passes. I shudder to think of where Liverpool would be this season without Dominik Szoboszlai.
The DOGSO red card at the end was so bizarre it’s not even worth considering
Milos Kerkez
The left back had a torrid time the match he faced off against Antoine Semenyo, but he was switched on from the opening moments today. He had 2 tackles, 3 clearances, and a blocked shot, and held up extremely well on the defensive end. He did well getting forward as well, completing 2 of 3 crosses.
Ibrahima Konaté
The French defender put in another great shift, leading the team with 4 tackles and 3 interceptions. He used his strength well as always, but managed not to get pulled into Manchester City’s game plan of throwing themselves to the ground whenever he touched anyone. He had several nice long diagonal balls to open up the attack as well.
Cody Gakpo
The attacker somehow seems to pack to stat sheet despite seeming to have very little actual chemistry with his fellow teammates. He managed to have 3 key passes, but also was quite wasteful in possession more often than not, losing the ball 4 times. He was also constantly caught offside in spots where he had time to hold a run or get himself back onside.
The Brazilian made a couple of big saves, but he also made a few really poor decisions an poor passes. The biggest moment came in added on time when he slid into the leg of Matheus Nunes, giving away a penalty for what would become the deciding goal in the match.
Craig Pawson/VAR
The standard of refereeing is just shocking.
Dissecting the Narrative
There have been plenty of matches this season where Liverpool never looked convincing, both in wins and losses. Against Manchester City, the Reds again were slow starters but absolutely ramped it up in the second half after they exposed the visitors flaws time after time. As we have sadly seen too many times this year, however, any dice roll just seemed to not go Liverpool’s way. A deflected cross, a non-penalty penalty awarded after a couple of decisions didn’t go the way of the Reds, an insane sequence that led to a pretty ludicrous red card. It’s all just feeling a bit cursed right now.
What Happens Next
Liverpool will have to mentally reset as they turn around for a midweek match away to Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Arne Slot’s side are only three points ahead of the surprising Black Cats. Liverpool are now four points behind Chelsea and five points behind Manchester United for the fifth and fourth spots in the table respectively.