On January 14, 2018, Liverpool faced Manchester City in a thrilling Premier League match at Anfield. Liverpool secured a 4-3 victory, handing Manchester City their first league defeat of the season in an electrifying encounter that showcased the attacking brilliance of both teams.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Liverpool: 4 (Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain 9′, Roberto Firmino 59′, Sadio Mané 61′, Mohamed Salah 68′)
- Manchester City: 3 (Leroy Sané 40′, Bernardo Silva 84′, Ilkay Gündogan 90+1′)
- Possession:
- Manchester City had 64% possession, while Liverpool had 36%. Despite City’s dominance in possession, Liverpool’s high-intensity pressing and quick transitions were crucial in exploiting City’s defensive weaknesses.
- Shots:
- Liverpool registered 16 shots, with 8 on target, reflecting their aggressive and clinical approach in front of goal. Manchester City had 11 shots, with 4 on target, showing their effectiveness in creating chances, particularly as they pushed for a comeback in the final minutes.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Manchester City displayed a high passing accuracy of 87%, completing 689 passes out of 793 attempts. Liverpool had a passing accuracy of 75%, completing 342 passes out of 457 attempts. City’s superior ball retention was evident, but Liverpool’s direct and incisive play proved more decisive.
- Defensive Statistics:
- Liverpool made 17 tackles compared to Manchester City’s 10, highlighting their aggressive pressing strategy to disrupt City’s play. Liverpool’s defense, despite conceding three goals, was able to withstand City’s late pressure and secure the win.
- Set Pieces:
- Liverpool’s goals came from a mix of open play and quick transitions, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opening the scoring with a powerful low drive from outside the box. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Salah each scored in quick succession, with Salah’s goal coming after capitalizing on a defensive error by Ederson. Manchester City’s goals came from a moment of individual brilliance by Leroy Sané and late efforts by Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan as they attempted a late comeback.
- Individual Performances:
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was instrumental for Liverpool, scoring the opening goal and driving the team forward from midfield. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mané, and Mohamed Salah each contributed with goals that highlighted Liverpool’s attacking potency. For Manchester City, Leroy Sané was a constant threat down the left flank, and his goal gave City hope before Liverpool’s three-goal blitz. Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan’s late goals showcased City’s resilience, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point.
- Tactical Overview:
- Liverpool employed a 4-3-3 formation under Jürgen Klopp, focusing on high pressing, quick transitions, and exploiting spaces behind City’s high defensive line. Manchester City used a 4-3-3 formation under Pep Guardiola, aiming to control possession and press Liverpool high up the pitch. However, Liverpool’s intense pressing and clinical finishing during a blistering 9-minute spell in the second half proved decisive.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw three yellow cards, two for Liverpool (Georginio Wijnaldum 51′, Andrew Robertson 90+4′) and one for Manchester City (Raheem Sterling 35′). The fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up play and stopping counter-attacks.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Manchester City won 8 corners compared to Liverpool’s 3, reflecting their territorial advantage, particularly in the second half. Liverpool were caught offside three times, while City had two offside calls, indicating both teams’ attempts to push the defensive lines and create scoring opportunities.
Summary
Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Manchester City at Anfield was one of the most thrilling matches of the 2017-18 Premier League season. The match was a showcase of high-intensity football, with both teams displaying their attacking prowess. Liverpool’s high pressing and quick transitions led to a devastating 9-minute period in the second half where they scored three goals, effectively sealing the win despite City’s late attempts to stage a comeback.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s early strike set the tone for Liverpool, and the trio of Firmino, Mané, and Salah capitalized on City’s defensive lapses to put the game beyond reach. Leroy Sané’s goal just before halftime gave City hope, but Liverpool’s relentless pressure in the second half proved too much for Guardiola’s side. Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan’s late goals added tension to the final minutes, but Liverpool held on for a memorable win.
This match ended Manchester City’s unbeaten run in the Premier League that season and highlighted Liverpool’s potential as a force under Jürgen Klopp. The game is remembered for its intensity, high-quality football, and the electric atmosphere at Anfield, reinforcing the fierce rivalry between these two top teams.
