Aug 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Manchester City forward Stevan Jovetic (35) celebrates after scoring a goal during the first half against Olympiakos at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Not the loveliest of sights for Liverpool fans tonight at the Ethiad.
Manchester City wasted no time in bringing the score line to 3-1, and proving just how functional their squad is, compared to that of Liverpool.
The excitement of the match took hold quickly with Liverpool having a majority of the possession in the first half. Liverpool made quick decisions and added a high pace energy to the atmosphere of the game which saw a slight bit of anxiety from the home side.
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Liverpool spent most of the first half putting as much pressure as possible on the Sky Blues. At times they were successful in invading the defensive line of Vincent Kompany or Pablo Zabaleta. City however , were caught in a few awkward situations, but recovered very quickly from any serious threat.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, charismatic Daniel Sturridge couldn’t find proper openings to take the lead for the Reds. And as predicted, Raheem Sterling initiated a few of Liverpool’s chances, propelling from the wing into the middle to try to set up his teammates, or even take a shot himself, but he was also denied.
Fans were happy to see the pace of youngster Philipe Countinho in full use as he broke away in the midfield up the wings to create chances. Coutinho’s style to some has become predictable, but fans felt he used every ball he possessed. He made it into an opportunity to push Liverpool’s attack to the opposing direction. But overall, the functionality of the entire team still doesn’t have the same precision that the Champions have.
Manchester City surprisingly opened the score line in the 40th minute in a tick-tack-toe ball which finally landed to Steven Jovetic, which he blasted straight past Simon Mignolet’s right leg. From then on, until the last 10 minutes of the match, the momentum was all in the Citizen’s favour. The goal was surprising as City displayed a minor touch of their rusty opening performance against Newcastle, but the energy quickly enhanced after the first goal. The first half closed at 1-0 Manchester City.
In the second half Liverpool began by putting the same amount of pressure on City, but it was as if they had already decoded the riddle. Every turnover became a threatening opportunity and Liverpool’s defense was surely challenged.
Fans thought that, Brendan Rogers has made some fantastic signings for his back 4. Alberto Moreno made a slip up against Jovetic when he scored in the 40th minute, but made up for it by working twice as hard no matter what the circumstance. And now with Martin Skrtel and Dejan Lovren teaming up to center the defense; Liverpool where have definitely shown strength in their defense, compared to the problems from last season.
But the threats lied in where I predicted it to be; through the left flank. And that is where goal number two for Jovetic came. Unmarked and on his way over from a pass and move technique used often by City players– Jovetic shot the ball past Mignolet and into the back of the net, yet again. A man who was sidelined by injury last season has a lot to say with his football this season.
It did not stop there.
In the 65′ minute player maker David Silva was subbed for lightening fast Jesus Navas who carried the play making ability over until the 69th minute after Sergio Aguero came on, passed a long clean ball to Aguero who caught the Liverpool defense off guard and struck another goal for the Sky Blues into the back of the net. The deal was sealed, Liverpool fell inflated.
Liverpool continued to make substitutions as Emre Can came on in the 74th minute followed by Rickie Lambert in the 78th where the Reds found their second wind and pushed into City’s half and applied their last ounce of pressure. With Lambert in the perfect position for a lost ball he nicked the ball into the net which was saved by Joe Hart, deflected and saved again but over the line. Luckily for an in tune linesman and goal line technology, the goal was caught and Lambert scored his first goal for the club, and saved the dignity of the Reds for the night.
Jul 30, 2014; Bronx, NY, USA; Liverpool FC forward Daniel Sturridge (15) controls the ball against Manchester City FC defender Matija Nastasic (33) during the second half of a game at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Overall, this performance by no means to allows fans have the right to call the post-Suarez era a flop. Liverpool have the proper talent, tactics and function to gain the kind of precision City had tonight. Of course, the finishing reason we hope to see is in the signing of Mario Balotelli.
But, we also must remember how many new players on the team. Alberto Moreno for one made his début tonight, and his performance was worth an applause. They have made the proper changes for their defensive line, but still need that final touch in the attack. I think overall their possessive nature in the midfield will carry them where they need to go with the likes of Markovic, Sterling and Coutinho. But it will take some time. What will really be interesting is the Champions League.
As for City, they have proved their worth. It did take some warming up into the game for their mind sets take full throttle, but there is no denying that they haven’t proved their championship status. Their attack starts boiling from the back and sky rockets all the way up to front. Every player on their starting eleven has the same thing in mind: pushing forward. And sometimes watching that can be vicious.
Liverpool with learn and Manchester City will continue.
Stay tuned for round two!