Today saw Liverpool take on Man City at the Etihad Stadium with both teams desperate to land a decisive blow in the title race. The game ended level and it is probably fair that it did. Here are four things we learned from Liverpool v Man City:
The defence needs time
Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are very good defenders and they will stop a lot of goals together.
There were a number of times when Joel impressed with his reading of the game and his use of the ball.
However, the pair were occasionally caught with crossed wires, leaving players unmarked and onside, though this wasn’t punished.
They need to time to get used to each other, they will and they’ll be brilliant.
VAR is still doing stupid things
It just wasn’t a penalty. You cannot safely run with your hands behind your back.
JoGo was punished by the bizarre offside rule and the bizarre use of VAR.
Wolves were punished in equally bizarre fashion today, something has to be done to stop these calls ruining games. It was only just that the mistake didn’t lead to a goal.
Klopp’s brave new way
Jürgen Klopp was bold as brass with his team selection, opting for a 4-2-4.
It was mega offensive but only possible because of the hard work of Mo Salah and Roberto Firmino.
We could well see this formation crop up in future, it manages to incorporate the whole fab four.
The schedule is dangerous
Liverpool have lost yet another player to injury due to the demanding schedule.
Just how long Trent Alexander-Arnold will be out for remains to be seen but it is worrying that such a typically formidable player has pulled up with a muscle problem.
This hectic schedule is dangerous for the players and it is a shame it’s being allowed to continue.
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