Thanks to goals from Erling Haaland, Nico Gonzalez and Jeremy Doku, Pep Guardiola’s City established itself as the main rival of Arsenal, leader of the championship, after a crushing defeat for the reigning champions.
Haaland, Gonzalez and Doku all scored against a lackluster Liverpool.
All eyes were on the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, with City and Liverpool looking not only to curb each other’s title ambitions but also to narrow the gap on Arsenal, who were held to a 2-2 draw by Sunderland the day before.
And for the 1000th match of Guardiola’s brilliant coaching career, it was City who confirmed their title ambitions, largely dominating a Liverpool team who seemed to have conceded one game too many after their victories against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, synonymous with rebirth.
Haaland, Gonzalez and man-of-the-match Doku have wreaked havoc for City, who now sit second in the table, just four points behind Mikel Arteta’s side Arsenal. For their part, Liverpool remain eight points behind the Gunners, after conceding a fourth consecutive defeat away in the league, a first since 2012.
Manchester United legend Keane harshly criticizes Slot’s Reds.
Liverpool’s defeat at City was so difficult that former Manchester United star Keane believes Arne Slot’s men now have little chance of defending the title they won last season.
Just after the match, Keane told Sky Sports: “
We cannot consider Liverpool as title contenders. It is a bitter defeat. But it reminded me of the City of yesteryear. They were exceptional. They are back in the race. »
He then said that “Liverpool is going through a critical period”, adding: “ Losing to a team like Manchester City happens – it’s always difficult playing away. But losing seven games out of ten – including five already in the league – is inevitably a crisis for a club like Liverpool.
“I found Liverpool very weak today. The coach said he was satisfied with the second half, but the match was already over! It’s easy to play well when you have nothing left to play.
“I think Slot’s analysis was absolutely correct. City were stronger, technically superior and more physical than Liverpool today. Liverpool had chances, they still have talent, but the goals they conceded – their choices – were not up to par. There was a lack of intensity, a lack of energy. The substitutes, when they came on, seemed really soft. I think Liverpool are going through a crisis. »
