BATTLE OF THE BEST: 4️⃣ TALKING POINTS FROM MANCHESTER CITY 2-2 LIVERPOOL

 TALKING POINTS FROM HUGE CLASH AT THE ETIHAD

-Mihir Mehta 

-Editor: Mitansh Kagalwala

Photo Via: www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Manchester City and Liverpool faced off at the Etihad on Sunday in a top of the table clash that could very well decide which city the Premier League trophy heads to come May. Before the game, only a single point separated the two sides, and, following the draw, the title race looks like going to the very end of the season. City started off much the brighter side, as Kevin De Bruyne opened the scoring in the 5th minute. Liverpool responded quickly, when Diogo Jota equalized, but Gabriel Jesus put City back into the lead again. Into the second half, Liverpool came out all guns blazing, when Sadio Mane latched onto a Mohamed Salah assist to level once more. The match was end to end throughout, and clearly showed us why Pep and Klopp are the two best managers in the world right now. Here’s what we made of it:

1.      Advantage: Man City: Coming into the game, City led Liverpool by a single point, and knew that a win would probably guarantee the title. While City arguably deserved 3 points from the game, they will be satisfied with a draw, as they remain on top with 7 games to go. Considering City have an easier fixture list than Liverpool, who are yet to play Manchester United and Spurs, City are definitely in the driver’s seat for the title. Given their spectacular form and their brilliant play, it seems improbable that Liverpool will win the title.

2.      Incredible Kevin De Bruyne: Kevin De Bruyne is continuing to weave his magic on the football field with another brilliant performance against the Reds. The Belgian was at his sublime best on Sunday, with lovely floating passes and perfectly weight through balls, and of course, his well-taken opener to give City the lead. Ginger Pele now has 14 goals and 8 assists this season, and is a contender for the best midfielder in the world.

3.      That’s How It’s Done: Anticipation and excitement were at a high before the game, and if anything, the two sides exceeded them with an electric performance. The game was electric and end to end throughout, with both sides creating chances. Even though Liverpool weren’t at their marauding best, they pegged the home side back every time City looked to pull away. We’re just glad we still have the FA Cup semi-final tie between these two to look forward to, because, boy, we cannot have enough of this.

4.      City spurn chances: For all of City’s attacking prowess, they spurned a number of chances to seal the three points and probably the title. VAR struck again as Sterling was played through and scored, only to be judged offside by a razor thin margin. Late into stoppage time, Riyadh Mahrez ran through, latching onto a brilliant De Bruyne pass, only to chip over Allison and the goal post. A small chink in City’s excellent play, but a weakness that needs to be rectified if they are to win the Premier League and the Champions League. 


CHECK OUT OUR CHAMPIONS IN REBUILD SERIES

CHAMPIONS IN REBUILD PART THREE: ARSENAL

CHAMPIONS IN REBUILD PART TWO: MANCHESTER UNITED

CHAMPIONS IN REBUILD PART ONE: FC BARCELONA



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MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS

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