If the doubt in Liverpool’s capability didn’t come from their slow start to the season, it was for their lengthy injury list. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s absence was filled by an out-of-position James Milner, and the absence of Luiz Diaz meant Liverpool were left without much variety in their attacking options. Against all odds, Jurgen Klopp managed to pull together a group to fight the reigning champions and gave Anfield something to cheer about.
Right from the start the Reds were on the front foot, pinning City back but not quite managing to find the back of the net. The first shot of the game came after 15 minutes from Ilkay Gundogan’s through ball to Erling Haaland, who’s attempt was blocked by Alisson and cleared by Virgil Van Dijk. The two sides wrestled for quite some time and ended the first half all square.
Minutes into the second half, Salah had the best chance of the game from a perfectly played pass from Firmino, leaving the Egyptian one-on-one with Ederson. The City goalkeeper got the slightest of a fingertip on the shot, directing it just wide of goal and keeping his team in the game.
It was only moments later that City went down the other end, with Phil Foden putting the ball in the back of the net off a deflected attempt from Haaland. The away end erupted, but the goal was ruled out moments later as it was discovered that Haaland had fouled Fabinho in the build-up to the goal, locking the two sides together yet again.
It took another 20 minutes of back-and-forth chances before Salah found the back of the net
It took another 20 minutes of back-and-forth chances before Salah found the back of the net in the 78th minute, redeeming himself with yet another showdown with Ederson to finally break the deadlock. The game’s finale was as dramatic as the rest of the match: both sides had a flurry of chances; Jurgen Klopp got sent off in a blaze of fury at the linesman, and Anfield sung their hearts out to push their team across the finish line in a tight (but fully deserved) 1-0 win.
The loss stands as City’s first of the season, leaving Arsenal four points clear at the top of the table.