Anfield is often a setting in which the most elaborate game plans must be simplified.
The tempo, atmosphere, and territorial aggressiveness of Liverpool make every visit a test of emotional and tactical endurance.
In that context, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City competed through a specific adjustment that stood out even within the Catalan coach’s long history of tactical adaptations.
Rather than insisting on prolonged control through midfield circulation, City presented a surprisingly direct, vertical and reactive version of themselves.
At times, this approach seemed to dialogue more closely with the historical principles of Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool than with the Guardiola who dominated English football through possession, pause, and the rational occupation of interior spaces.
It would not be far-fetched to think that the presence of Pep Lijnders, now part of City’s coaching staff, played a role in shaping this plan, not as an ideological rupture but as a contextual reinterpretation of certain principles.
Two main ideas structured City’s approach at Anfield, especially during the first half.
On the one hand, an offensive proposition with limited midfield circulation, wide full-backs, three dynamic midfielders and three narrow forwards.
On the other hand, counterpressing was used as the primary strategy, supported by interior traps, ball recoveries in advanced areas, and immediate attacks after regaining possession.
From there, City managed to unsettle Liverpool in phases where they have historically been dominant.
This tactical analysis article aims to break down those ideas.
Liverpool Vs Manchester City Lineups & Formations
The hosts set up in a 4-2-3-1 with Alisson Becker in goal behind a back four of Dominik Szoboszlai, Ibrahim Konaté, Virgil van Dijk and Milos Kerkez.
Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister played deep midfield roles behind Florian Wirtz, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo on the wings and Hugo Ekitiké up front.
The visitors are listed below in a 4-3-3 formation, but were more of a narrow 4-3-1-2 in reality.
Gianluigi Donnarumma played in goal behind Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guéhi and Rayan Aït-Nouri.
Rodri was at the base of midfield behind Bernardo Silva, Nico OReilly and Antoine Semenyo with Omar Marmoush partnering Erling Haaland up front.
Screenshot 2026 02 10 at 09.30.12
Liverpool Vs Manchester City [1–2] – Premier League 2025/2026: Pep Guardiola's Kloppian Tactics – Tactical Analysis 2
Manchester City’s Out-Of-Possession Structure
The first major adjustment appeared without the ball.
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