Liverpool 1(4)-1(5) Manchester City : 5 talking points to take after Manchester City’s Community shield win against Liverpool tonight.
Manchester City faced Liverpool to kick off the English footballing season, as both the sides had a long battle in the Community shield match in Wembley, London.
In the end, Pep Guardiola’s side came out victorious after out-beating the Reds in the penalty shootouts by 5-4, as both the teams equaled the score by 1-1 in the regular game-time.
Both the sides started the match with great vigour, with attacking mindset. Although, sloppiness was seen at the both ends in the initial minutes, but considering its the beginning of the season, it was understandable.
Manchester City had to face a major blow in the first match of the season, as their star player Leroy Sane had to leave the pitch after twisting his knee in the first half of the game, although, presently, there are no further updates regarding his injury.
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Further, Gabriel Jesus came on to replace Sane for the rest of the match. Thus, it was obvious that Raheem Sterling who started in the centre had to be shifted on the left-wing, to accommodate Jesus at his natural position.
The Citizens tasted the success first after nervous Liverpool defense enabled Sterling to convert from a close range to make it 1-0 in the 12th minute. On the other hand, Liverpool equaled the score in the final phase of the game when Joel Matip came from the bench to score.
Thus, with this score, the game went to penalties. Alisson Becker failed to save even one penalty to let Manchester City have all five succesful penalties. Whereas Liverpool fell short of their opponents after Claudio Bravo saved Georginio Wijnaldum’s penalty.
Without further ado, let’s look at the five talking points from the clash in Wembley.
#5 Liverpool’s sloppy first half game costed them several chances
Liverpool returned to the new season after having one of the most successful campaigns in years. However, Manchester City were able to catch Liverpool off-guard due to their sloppiness in the game.
Considering, Joseph Gomez had the most number of touches in the first half of the game, shows, how inactive were the Liverpool midfield was in the initial moments of the game.
Neither, Manchester City were great but were effective enough to dominate Liverpool most of the times, especially in the first half of the match.
Same was the case with the Reds during their pre-season tour, as they had underwhelming performances with same mistakes. At that time, it was avoidable, but now the season has started and Jurgen Klopp has to fix certain things.
Although, Liverpool had a much better second half but not as impressive, as they have been last season, at certain points the Merseyside club did look lethal but all the chances were wasted by the front-line. With Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino failing to convert chances.
#4 Virgil Van Dijk- Saving grace for Liverpool
Virgil Van Dijk as usually had another impressive game with his defensive display, the Dutch International did not make any error after conceding the first goal.
In fact, he was the reason why Liverpool could make a comeback before the completion of the regular game-time, as Van Dijk made an assist for the equalizer scored by Joel Matip in the dying minutes.
Moreover, Manchester City certainly failed to maintain their rhythm in the second half, after starting the game well. The main reason is Van Dijk’s excellent defensive skills and positioning, which prevented Manchester City to advance from the midfield.
The Dutch International maintained his calm, even though his team was at a significant deficit from the initial minutes of the game, which propelled Liverpool to level the terms later.
Surely, Van Dijk was one of the saving graces alongside Firmino for Liverpool, who also created and attempted to convert chances, but failed to find the goal.
#3 Manchester City benefiting from new goal-kick rule
The new rule allows the goalkeeper to pass his teammate within the 18-yard-box, while the opponents still have to remain outside the area. This new rule has surely helped Manchester City, as they frequently used for their game buildup.
Manchester City were able to build the game from behind, as Claudio Bravo and Otamendi were involved inside the 18-yard-box, which forced Firmino to press further, helping Rodri and John Stones to go higher and find space, without being pressed by Liverpool’s intense pressing abilities.
This forced Divock Origi/Salah to step up towards Stones and Rodri, leaving Kyle Walker/Oleksandr Zinchenko open on the wings. Once the ball is played to the fullbacks, Jordan Henderson/ Georginio Wjnaldium are forced to step out to them. Due to Kevin De Bruyne/David Silva finding good spaces and occupying CBs, Leroy Sane/Bernardo Silva exploited fullbacks.
It is certain that Manchester City will use this new added rule for their benefit even more usually in the further upcoming games.
#2 Kyle Walker goal line save costed Liverpool the Community shield
One of the most iconic moments of the game was Kyle Walker’s goal line save in the last few seconds of the regular playing time. The goal-line goal prevented Liverpool to gain the lead to win the shield.
If the ball had went inside, Manchester City wouldn’t have been able to make a comeback, as the game was about to end. The credit goes to Walker, who used his presence of mind to get the ball in time, while clearing it away.
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The acrobatic save by the English International denied Mohamed Salah’s attempt. The Egyptian International was underwhelming throughout the game, and when he was about to compensate for his dull performance, the fate did not help him.
The save by Walker was surely a piece of quality, and could be the moment of the day. It is even being regarded as the best goal-line clearance to occur in years.
#1 Manchester City and Liverpool rivalry for the Premier league title- A thing to watch ahead
Overall, the game between last season’s Premier league winners and runner-ups was an exciting contest. It surely shows that both the sides are going to vie ahead for this title, and it is going to be even more interesting than last year.
Indeed, the start is promising, with Klopp and Guardiola being the starwalts in England currently. The Premier league season ahead is going to be a fascinating one, and nervy for Manchester City and Liverpool fans.
Earlier, Van Dijk was seen warning the Citizens for the fight they are going to receive from the Reds this season, as it is the only title Liverpool are desperate to conquer.
Last season, Klopp’s side fell short of only one point behind Manchester City to lose the title. However, judging on tonight’s performance, Manchester City look more sharp than Liverpool, but a league season is very long, and anything can happen on any game-day. Thus, the rivalry between both the sides will be a thing to watch.
