Mohamed Salah the hero as City’s unbeaten run comes crashing down at Anfield
By: Shane Brennan.
Liverpool welcomed Manchester city to Anfield on Sunday afternoon, as The Reds were looking to get their league campaign started for once and for all, on what turned out to be an epic day at Anfield, but just what did we learn from a gripping encounter?
Liverpool started fast, as they looked to prevent their opponents from getting into their stride early on, and they did just that as the first chance of the game came Liverpool’s way through Harvey Elliott setting up Diogo Jota for a free header, unfortunately, this time around he could only direct his attempt into Ederson’s hands.
Then Fabinho, Jota and James Milner combined to get the ball into the box, to leave Ederson in all sorts of trouble, he could only get the ball away to Andy Robertson, who unfortunately on this occasion blazed a really good attempt over the Anfield Road crossbar.
It was Manchester City’s turn to come forward next through Bernardo Silva getting a decent ball into the box, the ball found its way to Kevin De Bruyne, who teed the ball up for Erling Haaland, but thankfully this time City’s main man put his header just over The Kop crossbar, as The Reds breathed a huge sigh of relief.
The Citizens created another massive opportunity thanks to De Bruyne and Haaland combining once again, De Bruyne’s ball was pinpoint, but Alisson Becker was equal to Haaland’s effort as chances kept coming at both ends.
The second half started well for Liverpool, as Roberto Firmino set Mohamed Salah away clean through on goal with The Kop ready to cheer, Ederson stuck out a massive hand to produce an astonishing save, and somehow keep the game goalless.
Then came a big moment in the game as City thought they had hit the front through lovely play from De Bruyne and Haaland. Alisson had originally got down to make the save, but Phil Foden was there to smash the ball home, thankfully however Darren England VAR official and match referee Anthony Taylor called a halt to proceedings, and they adjudged that Alisson had his two hands on the ball when Foden went to strike the ball and/or there was a foul on Fabinho by Haaland during the same move, therefore the goal was not given and Liverpool survived, as Anfield, in turn, got a massive lift and the volume increased.
The Reds upped it a gear as they raced forward, with The Kop backing them to the hills, Salah picked out Jota who had a free header at the back post, sadly his attempt with agonisingly over the crossbar.
It was City’s turn to threaten as Ilkay Gundogan found Haaland in space, he managed to get a good shot away, but Alisson got a big glove to it, as he get down to his left well to make the save.
Liverpool then did have their moment of glory, as a Kevin De Bruyne free kick was played right into Alisson’s hands, the bright Brazilian spotted that Salah was one-on-one and his kick proved to be accurate, and in turn too much for the City defence, as they were also ready to attack with a high line, Salah took full advantage, and this time he was not going to miss, as he ran through on goal, he put just enough height on his attempt to get the ball over Ederson, which brought about Joyous scenes in front of The Kop, as victory was in sight for The Mighty Reds.
Manchester City were to have a massive chance towards the end of the game when Joao Cancelo put a more than decent ball into the area, Haaland looked odds on to score, but Virgil van Dijk was on hand to clear the ball for Liverpool.
The Reds managed to hold on for a colossal three points, as Manchester City suffered their first league defeat of the season on another magical, extraordinary day at Anfield.
Conclusion
What a day for Liverpool, this should be the kickstart they need and the stand-out result for them to push their way up that Premier League table, and in turn give them belief that they can beat anyone on their day.
Every Liverpool player stood out they worked for each other to a man, and each one of them played out of their skin to produce a sensational result. Now they need to back it up when West Ham United visit L4 on Wednesday evening.
