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It's only the community shield which is more like a friendly match so there is no cause for alarm.
That's what many said but they fail to understand that it generates momentum. The winning streak has started and I doubt if it will stop. I saw many positives in that match to believe that Pep Guardiola city will dominate again.
Both Managers opted for a strong lineup as they look to win the first silverware of the season. Sadio Mane was the only first team player that didn't start the game for Liverpool. Ederson, Fernandinho, and Aguero were on the bench for the Citizens.
New boy Rodri started in his first competitive match for Manchester city.
The game started with Manchester city dominating possession and getting the early goal via Raheem Sterling. A lapse in concentration from the Liverpool defenders saw Silva flick the ball to Sterling whose weak effort squirms past Alisson.
Much of the first half was about Manchester City. They dominated and Liverpool were forced to defend. Origi was forced to act as a wingback preventing walker and Bernado Silva combination.
The second half saw Liverpool take control. The Manchester city players were obviously tired and they defended against Klopp boys. They got the much needed goal from a Matip header to drag the game into penalties where they lost.
Both teams missed lot of chances. Sterling was the chief culprit for Manchester city. He should have scored like two of his missed chances and call it a day.
Most of Liverpool chances were missed by Salah. It looks like the Egyptian left his goal scoring boot at home. He had Walker made a goal line clearance when he could have scored comfortably. He missed other chances by his series of tame shots which were handled with ease by Claudio Bravo.
Talking Points
Liverpool are the main team to challenge Manchester City domestically this season. They have the coach and the players to help them do that. However, with what they played yesterday, I think this season will be an easy one for Manchester city and Liverpool won't be a contender.
Team Depth
If you need a club that possess a Team A and Team B that can take on the best of the best, that team is Manchester City. Sane started the match in the left wing and sterling playing the number 9 role. Arnold will be happy Sane was subbed after falling awkwardly from a Arnold push. He gave the Liverpool right back a tough time in the minutes he spent and even came close to scoring.
Gabriel Jesus came in and sterling moved left. That's depth. Aguero is another option, Mahrez is another option. They have the quality replacement there.
The midfield position is one they have in abundance too. Rodri was solid in his debut. No killer pass but just simple passes just like Sergio Busquet. Pep has finally solved one of the most important thing which is finding Fernandinho replacement. He was able to call on Gundogan and Foden in the match showing that we have players ready to give their all. They are not just players, they are quality replacements.
This is what Liverpool lacked. The Liverpool backline lost a number of passes in dangerous positions. I thought a good center back should have been bought this season to complement Van Dijk effort. You are the current Champions league holder meaning any player will want to play for you. The likes of Gomez, Matip, and Lovren are decent but not too good.
The attack is one position they could improve too. Mane absence was felt in the match. Origi couldn't do much to keep Walker busy. Walker had a free time moving around. He even led an attack that saw Sterling failing to score or pass the ball. It shows that without the trio of Firmino, Mane, and Salah they will struggle a little. They can get the goals against smaller teams but not against other contenders.
The transfer window is still open and I believe they should get one or two players to fill in those positions.
As things stand now, Manchester City are on course to win another domestic treble.
Let me know your thoughts below.
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Liverpool seemed to have come more morally after the second half, the team drew level and were very close to the upset. But shone the star of goalkeeper Bravo, who is a reserve of Erderson. He took Wijnaldum's penalty and was decisive in winning Manchester City.
Yes. Liverpool tried in the second half and could have gotten the winner.