Premier League Super Sunday showdown: Manchester City and Liverpool share the spoils in an entertaining clash on Matchday 8

Manchester City frustrated Liverpool’s quest to return to the top of the Premier League standings in an eventful game on Super Sunday at the Etihad, with Kevin de Bruyne’s missed spot-kick leaving the Cityzens feeling aggrieved.

Liverpool’s attacking intent was clear from the onset with Manager Jürgen Klopp fielding an attack-minded line up that saw in-form Diogo Jota in the starting line-up alongside the established trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane.

With top spot in sight, Liverpool started livelier and duly got their reward when Salah converted from a penalty in the 13th minute after Sadio Mane was fouled in the box by Kyle Walker.

But City responded in the 31st minute with a superbly taken goal after Gabriel Jesus tricked Trent Alexander-Arnold on the turn, before toe poking the ball past compatriot Alisson Becker with his left foot.

Liverpool dropped to 3rd on the log, behind Leicester (1st) and Tottenham Hotspur (2nd), who had earlier dispatched Wolves and West Bromwich Albion respectively.

Pep Guardiola was left frustrated after his team missed a huge opportunity to take an advantage into halftime when Captain Kevin de Bruyne slot his effort wide, after a handball had been awarded against Joe Gomez by the video assistant referee (VAR), following a long check.

Both teams scrambled for a winning goal but it was the home team who settled better into the game as it went on. Gabriel Jesus blasted his header wide late on to leave last season’s champions and runners-up having to settle for a share of the spoils.

Related: Premier League Roundup: Arsenal whitewashed by Aston Villa; Harry Kane stole a win for Tottenham

Premier League Roundup: Manchester United inflict more woes on Everton; Chelsea continue fine form

Reaction from Manchester City vs Liverpool

Manchester City boss Guardiola speaking after the game: “It was a tight game. We struggled in the first minutes because they had four players up front. Mane and Salah were playing between the lines, then we adjusted after and had more control.

“The way they played and the way we behaved in response was incredible. I’m so proud of my players. The difference today was they got a penalty and we missed a penalty.”

“We (Pep and Jurgen) talked about five substitutions. If people want to give microphones so we can give our opinions…

“English player, right-back is injured. There are many guys with many, many cases. Around the world, five subs are key, but here it’s totally the opposite. We’ve talked about this many times.

Klopp, speaking after the game: “It was an interesting game. A lot of tactical stuff on the pitch. Both teams played with an incredible energy level to close the other team down and use the few opportunities. I thought it was a top, top, top game.

“The plan is always to start fast, stay fast and finish fast, but that is not always possible. City are a top team.

“I think it is the game with the lowest number of chances for City so far when we have played them. Clear-cut chances, they didn’t have many and that is a proper compliment for the boys.”

Stats and facts from the match (Backed by Opta)

  • Manchester City have drawn three of their last five games in the Premier League (W2), as many as their previous 70 matches in the competition beforehand.
  • Liverpool have only won three of their last 10 away games in the Premier League (D3 L4), after winning 16 of their 17 league games on the road prior to this (D1).
  • Since a run of 35 consecutive Premier League wins when opening the scoring between February 2019 and July 2020, Liverpool have failed to win four of their last seven games when scoring the opening goal (D3 L1).
  • Gabriel Jesus’ equaliser for Manchester City (19) featured the most passes in the build-up to a Premier League goal against Liverpool since September 2017; a strike which was also a Jesus goal (assisted by De Bruyne) at the Etihad, and also following a 19-pass move.
  • Kevin De Bruyne’s penalty for Manchester City was the first to miss the target in a Premier League game since October 2018, when in the same fixture at Anfield, Riyad Mahrez blazed over from the spot.
Photo of author

About The Author

Sidomex

13 thoughts on “Premier League Super Sunday showdown: Manchester City and Liverpool share the spoils in an entertaining clash on Matchday 8”

  1. Pingback: find out here now
  2. Pingback: ???
  3. Pingback: Leverage
  4. Pingback: limanbet giri?
  5. Pingback: sbo
  6. Pingback: sbobet

Leave a Comment

Sidomex-Entertainment

SidomexEntertainment is your one-stop-shop for news, entertainment, fashion, music, sports and lifestyle. We provide you with the latest breaking news and videos straight from the entertainment industry.

Follow Us
%d bloggers like this: