Liverpool put in a stunning first-half performance to defeat Man City 3-0 and give themselves a big chance of progressing to the semi-finals of the Champions League.
The build-up to the contest was marred by the actions of the Liverpool fans who ensured that they made their presence felt welcoming the Man City coach with flairs and plenty of noise. Man City’s coach suffered some damage including a smashed window, which is certain to be an issue for Citizens management to raise to UEFA.
Man City started the brighter in the early exchanges, quickly passing the ball around with Sane hitting the side netting a signal of their intentions. It proved to be short-lived, however, as Klopp’s side took a 13th minute lead on the breakaway. It just had to be Mohammed Salah, latching onto the ball from just inside the City half. The Egyptian sprinted away from the defence before slipping the ball to Roberto Firmino, who held the ball up well to square to Salah who smashed the ball high into the net from ten yards out.
Anfield was jumping, and soon the fans had more to shout about as Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stunning effort found a way past Ederson from 20-yards out. Not content with two goals, Liverpool went for the jugular and scored a third on the 30-minute mark. This time Salah turned provider, clipping the ball to the back post in the direction of Sadio Mane who nodded in from close range.
Man City looked shell-shocked and tried to get back into the contest in the second half.
However, Liverpool looked composed in defending their well-deserved lead. Leeroy Sane was a menace for the Citizens on the wing but was well marshalled by Trent Alexander-Arnold who was one of Liverpool’s key players on the night.
City began to get frustrated, and De Bruyne and substitute Sterling picked up yellow cards.
One cause of concern for Klopp will be the fitness of Salah, who limped off midway in the second half. Still, without their tricky winger, Liverpool defended admirably and closed out the game. More of the same in a week’s time and fans can start dreaming of a place in the last four of the Champions League. – Bein Sports.
