The reverse fixture earlier in the season was dominated entirely by Manchester City and given that they put five past Newcastle United and fought hard against Barcelona just last week, one would have expected more of the ruthless City in the mammoth clash against Liverpool. The Reds were reeling from a Last 32 Europa League defeat to Turkish side Besiktas and yet the visit from the Citizens seemed to spur them on.
Rather loose marking as so cruelly exposed by Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar let Henderson and Coutinho through for the Liverpool goals to leave Manuel Pellegrini bemoaning the lack of composure in City’s backline. Kun Aguero was again on hand to provide some hope for City with energetic runs but could only manage to assist Edin Dzeko for City’s solitary goal. For most of the match Manchester City were thoroughly overwhelmed by a quick Liverpool midfield bent on putting as much pressure as possible on the City defence.
It may be that Liverpool quite simply wanted it more as they won every 50-50 ball and exhibited no signs of fatigue especially as they had less time to prepare for the match. Credit also to the Anfield crowd as the atmosphere was just too much to handle for Vincent Kompany and his mates.
The win momentarily puts Liverpool in fifth place behind Manchester United, a position where they can seriously challenge those currently in the Champions League places. They are now just 7 points away from the defending champions and may even fancy replacing them in the second position.
On the other hand, aside from the bitterness of defeat; Manchester City have to hope Westham can stop Chelsea from making it a 10 point lead at the top as that would probably be the title done and dusted with 11 games to go.
Source: DSG
