Manchester City strengthened their Premier League title aspirations with a superb performance on Saturday as they beat Liverpool 4-1.
The Blues went behind in the early stages but responded emphatically with Julian Alvarez, replacing the injured Erling Haaland, equalising. Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish then scored after the break to hand City a convincing home win.
City started the game on top, with Alisson called into action to keep out efforts from Alvarez, Gundogan and Rodri. On 15 minutes, Riyad Mahrez flashed a free-kick just wide from the edge of the area, in what was an open, breathless encounter.
But against the run of play it was Liverpool who took the lead. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s long ball down the pitch was latched onto by Diogo Jota, who appeared offside in real time. But replays and a subsequent VAR check showed he was in line with Manuel Akanji, seconds before Jota touched the ball back for Mohamed Salah to blast into the back of the net.
City responded well, with Mahrez firing over before Alvarez equalised in the 27th minute. The Argentinian touched in from a Grealish cross following an incisive inside run from Mahrez seconds before.
That brought to an end the goalmouth action in the first period, although the latter stages of the opening 45 minutes remained entertaining, helped by a few feisty on-field clashes. But within minutes of play getting back under way after the break, City took the lead.
Alvarez capitalised on a chasm in the Liverpool backline and spread a crossfield ball out to Mahrez. The Algerian looked up and picked out the waiting De Bruyne in the middle, who managed to finish first time past Alisson.
On 53 minutes, the champions made it 3-1 after Gundogan lashed the ball into the back of the net following some impressive play from the hosts. After Alvarez’s initial shot was blocked by Alexander-Arnold, City’s no.8 excellently placed the ball high into the corner.
Liverpool tried to get back into the game but Cody Gakpo’s shot deflected wide, while Grealish saw his shot saved by Alisson. The former Aston Villa man was unstoppable at the Etihad and grabbed a fourth in the 74th minute after he slid in and poked the ball into net after De Bruyne slipped a pass into the box.
Grealish also saw a volley saved by Alisson, while the overworked goalkeeper stopped Alvarez’s volley in the quiet latter stages of the game. Here’s how we rated the City players...
1. Ederson- 6
Didn’t have a huge amount to do on an afternoon when City were well on top.
2. John Stones- 8
Defended superbly and helped City keep possession as he moved into midfield when the Blues had the ball. Stones was reliable in possession and rarely gave the ball away.
3. Manuel Akanji- 6
Played Jota onside for Liverpool’s goal but it was a rare foot out of place for the Swiss defender.
4. Ruben Dias- 7
Didn’t have a huge amount to deal with, but was composed at the back for City.