Manchester City had their three match winning streak in the Barclays Premier League ended on Saturday, falling 1-0 to Liverpool at Anfield.
Pep Guardiola‘s side came into Saturday’s top-three showdown in winning form after defeating Hull 3-0 on Monday at the KCOM. Goals from Yaya Toure and Raheem Sterling partnered with an own-goal off the foot of Curtis Davies earned Manchester City three points on Boxing Day.
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Liverpool defeated Stoke City 4-1 on Tuesday, as Jurgen Klopp‘s side added two goals in each half against the visiting Potters.
Sergio Aguero returned to the starting lineup after completing his four-match ban on Monday, while Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, and Sterling also started. Fernandinho partnered with Yaya Toure in midfield, while John Stones started next to Nicolas Otamendi as the centerback duo. Alex Kolarov and Pablo Zabaleta were the wingbacks, while Claudio Bravo started in-goal.
It didn’t take Liverpool long at all to score the opening tally as midfielder Georginho Wijnaldum headed home after six minutes. The Dutch international beat the City centerbacks to Adam Lallana‘s cross and headed to the left side of the goal. It was the 26 year-old’s second goal of the campaign.
Most of the first-half saw both sides gaining possession but failing to do much with it. The sides combined for one shot-on-goal, as Liverpool went into the break up 1-0.
Aguero and Kolarov each had shots saved by Simon Mignolet early in the second half, while Manchester City began to pose a real threat possession-wise.
The attackers were able to create possession, but were held to long-range efforts by the Liverpool defense. Klopp’s defense were able to hold off any threats at the end for a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.
The Citizens out possessed Liverpool 57%-43%, but only had the two shots-on-goal. Mignolet was rarely troubled other than the two saves, while Liverpool failed a single shot-on-goal other than the Wijnaldum goal.
Following the game, Pep Guardiola told BBC Sport his side needs to focus on the next match. “It was an equal game. The goal made it difficult against a team who use the counter-attack like a master. The second half was much better. We have to wake up for another game. We need to focus and work – we can’t think about the big goals.”
After a disappointing 1-0 road defeat, here are my three key takeaways.
1.) The possession was great, the finishing was not.
Overall, the performance by the Manchester City defense for the most part was good. The offense failed to break down a strict Liverpool back-line and were frustrated for most of the match. In order to be in the title race, and the running for the top four, Manchester City need to be better at beating their top competition. Losses against Chelsea, Liverpool, and Tottenham could hurt in the long run but the attackers need to be more clinical in front of goal. They need to stop worrying about scoring the perfect goal, and scrap a few in every now and then.
2.) The return of Sergio Aguero wasn’t so hot.
The outcome of this match was a lot less than what was expected. With the plethora of talent on the pitch, a lot of fans and media alike expected a goalfest. Sergio Aguero was isolated for most of the match, and was kept in-check as well. His goals do wonders for the team and he will need to pick it up fast with the amount of games coming up. It is tough to miss four consecutive games and be successful in your first game back. Excuses aside, Sergio Aguero needs to be given more chances for this team to be successful offensively.
3.) Quick turnaround vs. Burnley could be good for the team.
Due to the busy holiday schedule, Manchester City have a deal to rest before hosting Burnley at the Etihad on Monday. After losing Saturday, Pep Guardiola can get his team ready for another match and see if they can bounce back. Against a Burnley side who won 4-1 on Saturday, Manchester City cannot take them lightly. Striker Andre Grey netted a hat-trick against Sunderland and will definitely be chomping at the bit to play Monday. With the gap between them and sixth-place Manchester United down to three points, Manchester City could definitely use a win to stay ahead.
Next: Manchester City player ratings: Lack of inspiration dooms Citizens
Be sure to check back on Man City Square for all the news, previews, and updates regarding MCFC as they prepare for Burnley.