Trent Alexander-Arnold rescues Liverpool point leaving Guardiola leaving angry
Liverpool have kept themselves within touching distance of Manchester City after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s excellent finish inside the box cancelled out Erling Haaland’s opener. Express Sport takes a look at four things learned from the match.
Alisson on edge
Alisson has been Mr Reliable for Liverpool ever since joining from Roma back in 2018, regularly pulling off match-winning saves on the big stage. But he looked shaky in the opening 45 minutes and it was his wayward kick that led to Haaland’s goal.
The Brazilian also failed to clear his lines on a couple of occasions to leave Liverpool defenders scampering. A rare off game for Liverpool’s No 1 and against a side like City that was always going to be punished.
Darwin Nunez and Mo Salah off the mark
The Premier League’s most lethal duo this season were far from their best against a resolute City defence. Chances were few and far between for the Liverpool duo, but they were wasteful when opportunities did present themselves.
Salah often enjoys playing against City and had scored in six of his last eight league matches against Guardiola’s side prior to Saturday’s contest. Klopp will be hoping his attackers are back on form next week when they host Fulham.
Klopp vindicated
Klopp has regularly faced questions on how best to use Alexander-Arnold with the full-back often criticised for mistakes at the back. But the Liverpool manager’s desire to move Alexander-Arnold further up the pitch in a more central role is due to the player’s undeniable talents on the ball.
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And the England international repaid his manager’s faith in his attacking abilities with a well-taken goal to silence the home crowd at the Etihad. Pep Guardiola’s reaction said it all as he looked back towards in his bench in anger with the City boss aware how important that goal could be come the end of the season in the title race.
Liverpool’s favourable run
This game is always Liverpool’s toughest test – as it is for every Premier League side heading to the Etihad. But now Liverpool have a favourable run of fixtures with games against Fulham, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace in the coming weeks.
It’s those games where Klopp’s side can’t afford to slip up if they hope to challenge City for the title this season. And that could help build some momentum going into tricky games against Manchester United and Arsenal before Christmas.
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