Kyle Walker says he watched Liverpool as they beat West Ham United on Saturday, and he was impressed by the way they played.
The Manchester City defender made the comments to mancity.com, whilst sharing that he watched Jurgen Klopp’s side win 1-0, the 31-year-old praised Liverpool’s performance.
“I watched Liverpool (on Saturday) and they are a fantastic team with key men in very good areas,” said Walker.
“We just have to make sure that we do what we have to do and hopefully that will be enough.”
From Walker’s comments, it’s clear to see the mutual respect that exists between Liverpool and City.
It goes to underline that even though they’re rivals, player’s can appreciate the brilliant football that the two teams have been showing for the last few years.
The Reds weren’t at their best on Saturday, but there were still some thrilling moments on the way to a narrow victory.
The date for your diaries
The Premier League recently confirmed that Liverpool’s trip to the Etihad Stadium will take place on Sunday April 10th.
That particular date may seem to carry no real significance. But in actual fact, it was April 10th exactly four years ago that Liverpool last went to the Etihad and won.
Klopp’s team took a 3-0 lead into the second-leg of a Champions League quarter-final in 2018.
An early goal from Gabriel Jesus was cancelled out in the second half by Mohamed Salah. Roberto Firmino then sent the away end berserk as he made it 2-1 and sent Liverpool through.
Whether that’s a good omen or not, time will tell.
But it does highlight the fact that Liverpool have been poor away to City in recent times. They did get a 2-2 draw there last season in-front of an empty stadium.
Otherwise, they have lost heavily once or twice. A 4-0 defeat in July 2020 and 5-0 capitulation in September 2017 after Sadio Mane’s red card stand out.
The Reds will have to be better in April as they aim to wrestle the league title from City’s grasp.
Between now and then Liverpool have three Premier League fixtures to fulfil. As well as tricky looking away trips to Brighton and Arsenal, The Reds also entertain Watford at Anfield.
They must make sure they collect nine points from those three games before the big one in Manchester.
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