Liverpool vs Manchester City analysis | Premier League 2024/25
The Premier League is in for a exciting clash as two of its giants, Liverpool vs Manchester City, go head-to-head in what promises to be a tactical masterclass by Slot and Guardiola. While Liverpool comes into the game in hot form, having won 17 of their 19 matches this season, City is struggling with a winless streak in their last 6 games across all competitions. With key players making their returns and some big names missing, this match is bound to offer plenty of drama and excitement. Who will come out on top in this crucial showdown?
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Manchester City XI
- Goalkeeper: Ortega
- Defenders: Ake (LB), Akanji (CB), Dias (CB), Walker (RB)
- Midfielders: Gündogan (CM), Lewis (CM/DM) Foden (CAM)
- Wingers: Nunes (LW) Silva (RW)
- Striker: Haaland
City’s starting lineup sees Ortega in goal instead of Ederson, with a solid back four featuring Ake, Akanji, Dias, and Walker. In midfield, Gündogan and Lewis anchor the central roles, while Foden plays as the attacking midfielder and Silva should provide width on the right wing. With Nunes on the left and Haaland up front, City is looking to dominate the middle of the pitch. Although the team is heavily central-focused, they have quality options on the bench, such as Doku, and Savinho, who can help stretch the play and bring fresh attacking threats on the wings.
Liverpool XI
- Goalkeeper: Kelleher
- Defenders: Robertson (LB), Van Dijk (CB), Gomez (CB), Trent (RB)
- Midfielders: Gravenberch (CM), Mac Allister (CM) Szoboszlai (CAM)
- Wingers: Diaz (LW), Salah (RW)
- Striker: Gakpo
Liverpool’s lineup sees Kelleher in goal, Alisson is still missing due to injury, with Robertson, Van Dijk, Gomez, and Trent forming the defensive line. Gravenberch and Mac Allister will control the midfield and build up, while Szoboszlai links the play in the number 10 role. The attacking threat will come from the wide positions, with Diaz and Salah ready to exploit the flanks, while Gakpo will lead the attack. With Trent’s return, Liverpool looks solid both defensively and in attack, and the dynamic of their wide players will likely create problems for City’s defense, being able to switch and rotate Gakpo and Diaz to the central position or the left wing.
First Half Analysis: Liverpool in Full Control
Liverpool has dominated the first half, Slot wanted to start with high pressing and quick transitions and switch of play causing problems for Manchester City. The Reds’ fluid possession game has been effective, with Szoboszlai dropping deep to support build-up play, while Salah and Gakpo provide width. Gakpo scored early, capitalizing on a fast break, and Liverpool has been threatening ever since. Liverpool was putting extremely high pressure reaching as far as Ortega’s box.
City has struggled with a lack of width, as most of their players are central minded. Haaland and Foden have been isolated, while Nunes is the only player trying to stretch the play on the left wing. Gundogan and Silva haven’t been able to break through Liverpool’s defensive structure, and Guardiola may need to bring on Doku or Savinho to add width and depth in the second half.
Stats at Half-Time:
- xG: Liverpool 1.53 | City 0.07
- Possession: Liverpool 54% | City 46%
- Shots on Target: Liverpool 4 | City 0
- Touches in the Penalty Area: Liverpool 17 | City 5
Liverpool has been the superior side, creating more chances and controlling the game. City needs adjustments to regain their footing in the second half.
Liverpool vs Manchester City: The Second Half
The second half of Liverpool vs Manchester City began with no changes for either side, but Manchester City quickly showed more intent, pressing higher up the pitch. Liverpool, however, remained composed, maintaining their high pressing game and strong defensive shape. As City pushed forward, Liverpool’s counter-attacks became more frequent and dangerous, with players like Salah and Szoboszlai leading the charge.
In the 56th minute, a big chance came for Salah after excellent pressing by Szoboszlai, but he shot just wide after dribbling inside. City’s substitutions: Savinho and Doku, added more width and depth to their play, forcing Liverpool to shift their defensive structure. However, despite a few more attacking moments from City, Liverpool’s defense held firm. A key moment came in the 76th minute when a mistake from Dias allowed Díaz to enter the box and win a penalty, which Salah converted confidently.
Conclusion:
Liverpool’s 2-0 victory in the Liverpool vs Manchester City game was a testament to their tactical discipline, high pressing, and clinical finishing. The first half was dominated by Liverpool, creating numerous chances and showing their ability to control possession, lead by Virgil van Dijk. City struggled to break down Liverpool’s defense, and although they showed more intent in the second half, their attacks lacked precision.
After Doku and Savinho came in, City was more dangerous with play from the wings and having Liverpool to shift from left to right defensively. Salah’s penalty sealed the win for Liverpool, who move on with a commanding performance against a struggling City side. Liverpool are now 11 points clear of the Manchester top club and are leading the league with 9 points over second place Arsenal and Chelsea.
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