Manchester City vs Liverpool | Tactical Analysis | Premier League 2024/25

The Premier League’s top clash sees league leaders Liverpool facing fourth placed Manchester City in what could be a crucial game in the title race. A win for City would get them into third place, overtaking Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, a Liverpool victory would extend their lead over Arsenal from 8 to 11 points, though with one extra game played. Manchester City are without key players Rodri, Haaland, Akanji, and Stones, while Liverpool will miss Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez. These absences could play a crucial role in how the game will shape itself, especially on Manchester City’s side.

Starting XI & Formations: Manchester City vs Liverpool

Manchester City (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Ederson
Defense: Lewis, Khusanov, Aké, Gvardiol
Midfield: Nico, Foden, De Bruyne
Attack: Savinho, Marmoush, Doku

Liverpool (4-2-3-1)

Goalkeeper: Alisson
Defense: Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson
Midfield: Gravenberch, Szoboszlai, Mac Allister
Attack: Salah, Diaz, Jones

First-Half Analysis: Manchester City vs Liverpool

Possession & Tactical Battle

Manchester City dominated possession with 68% compared to Liverpool’s 32%, but Liverpool’s structured pressing caused problems for City’s buildup. City attempted to counter Liverpool’s midfield box by forming their own with Nico and Lewis as defensive midfielders and Foden and De Bruyne pushing higher. However, Liverpool’s pressing strategy was effective: Jones and Szoboszlai pressed City’s deeper midfielders, allowing Gravenberch and Mac Allister to track Foden and De Bruyne closely.

Liverpool also allowed Aké and Khusanov time on the ball without engaging them, creating a numerical advantage over City in the midfield and limiting their progression into dangerous areas.

Key Moments & Goals

14’ – Goal Liverpool (Salah, deflected on Ake)
A smart corner routine saw Mac Allister drill a low pass into the box. Szoboszlai redirected it to Salah at the edge of the area, whose shot deflected off Ake and past Ederson.

37’ – Goal Liverpool (Szoboszlai, assist Salah)
Alexander-Arnold delivered a long ball from deep to Salah, who took on Gvardiol in a 1v1 duel before setting up Szoboszlai. The Hungarian finished clinically into the near corner.

City’s Attacking Struggles

Despite City’s 14 touches in Liverpool’s penalty area (compared to Liverpool’s 13), their expected goals (xG: 0.17 vs Liverpool’s 0.34) showed a lack of clear chances. Their 30 final third entries also indicate they reached advanced areas frequently but failed to break down Liverpool’s defensive shape.

City’s closest moment to scoring came in the 30th minute, when Marmoush finished off a move involving Lewis and Foden in the build-up, but the goal was ruled offside. Doku was the most dangerous man in the first half for City, often passing by Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Second-Half Analysis: Manchester City vs Liverpool

City’s Increased Pressing

Manchester City started the second half with much more aggressive pressing. They pushed higher, forcing Liverpool into quick clearances, but this also left space behind them, making them vulnerable to counters.

Liverpool’s Defensive Shape

Liverpool adopted a deeper defensive stance, often transitioning into a compact 4-2-4 block, making it difficult for City to break through. They continued to let City’s center backs have possession, but their midfield structure prevented City from progressing the ball effectively.

Key Moments

• 57’ – Disallowed Goal for Liverpool: Szoboszlai broke through on the right, combining with Salah before cutting it back to Jones, who finished. However, Szoboszlai was offside in the buildup.
• 64’ – Díaz found space on the left and forced Ederson into a save, resulting in a corner.
• 66’ – Substitutions for City: McAtee replaced De Bruyne, who had an off day.
• 73’ – Liverpool Substitutions: Tsimikas replaced Robertson, and Endo came on for Jones, pushing Mac Allister into a more advanced role.
• 77’ – More Changes for City: Dias came on for Aké, Gündogan for Marmoush, and Kovačić for Nico.
• 90+1’ – Late Substitutions: Salah and Alexander-Arnold were replaced by Elliott and Quansah.

Full-Time Stats

• Possession: City 66% – Liverpool 34%
• xG: City 0.63 – Liverpool 0.71
• Shots on target: City 5 – Liverpool 4
• Touches in the penalty area: City 40 – Liverpool 27
• Final third entries: City 75 – Liverpool 26

Conclusion

In the Manchester City vs Liverpool clash, Liverpool executed their game plan perfectly, remaining compact and clinical in front of goal. City dominated possession and pushed hard for a goal but struggled to break down Liverpool’s defensive structure. A well disciplined and organized performance from Liverpool saw them take a crucial 2-0 victory over City. If you want to read more of our blogs, check out our blog page!

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