Liverpool put their recent Premier League battle behind them to halt Manchester City’s unbeaten run at Anfield in an enthralling and heated encounter that saw Jurgen Klopp sent off.
Man City were in top form, thanks to Erling Haaland’s goals, but Liverpool finally found the form that had eluded them for much of the season to defeat the reigning champions to their favor.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Harry Kane Scored For Tottenham In Five Successive Matches
This is the first time Haaland did not score, and it was Liverpool’s magic maker Mohamed Salah who took the center stage, racing on to a clearance from keeper Alisson after Joao Cancelo’s slip to beat Ederson with a composed finish with 14 minutes remaining.
Earlier, Ederson made a spectacular save to deny Salah in a similar one-on-one situation, and Man City’s coach Pep Guardiola was enraged that a Phil Foden goal that would have put his team ahead was ruled out by the video assistant referee for Haaland’s foul on Fabinho.
It was clear that it wasn’t a day for Haaland to shine, though he did force two saves from Alisson, but Anfield was ecstatic as Liverpool finally demonstrated why they have consistently been Man City’s biggest threat.
In a frantic finale, tempers flared and Klopp was sent off by referee Anthony Taylor for his protests after he felt Salah was fouled – but when the dust settles, he’ll be overjoyed with a statement victory.
Liverpool went into the match against Man City as underdogs, but they rose to the occasion in a thunderous atmosphere, as they have done often in the past.
Klopp’s team was missing key forward Luis Diaz and defender Ibrahima Konate due to injury before the game, forcing 36-year-old James Milner to fill in at right-back alongside Joe Gomez in central defense.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Arsenal Continues Top Of The League After Beating Leeds
Gomez demonstrated why Klopp holds him in such high regard with an outstanding performance that shut down City’s previously all-powerful attack.
Salah’s calm finish sealed the game, aided once again by an assist from keeper Alisson. The Egyptian demonstrated that he is still Liverpool’s match-winner when he raced clear with Anfield watching, and Ederson was unable to stop him this time.
