Liverpool: Mighty Reds shatter City hopes of unbeaten season

Liverpool played hosts to Premier League leaders Manchester City. The visitors have been dominating the league this season, but their defeat at Anfield has abruptly ended their unbeaten run.

City have been running the show this 17/18 campaign. The blue side of Manchester have not lost a game since their domestic season began, which is seriously impressive stuff from Pep Guardiola and his men.

But following their visit to Anfield this afternoon, they have had a big red spanner thrown into the works.

The game finished at a heart-stopping 4-3 after the away side piled on the pressure in attempt to clinch a point. Liverpool managed to hold onto their lead after 90+4 minutes of end to end football.

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A show stopping performance

Liverpool’s performance today was a mixed bag of quality. As always, their attack was electric on the pitch. The score line opened up after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted a sweet strike in the ninth minute of play.

Kopites went wild as the new boy celebrated his third league goal in a red shirt. After just four months, he’s scored more goals for the Reds than in an entire season with Arsenal. The absolute definition of development.

After Philippe Coutinho’s heartbreaking departure to Barcelona, fans weren’t sure how Liverpool would manage without him. But today’s game has shown his ex-teammates have already moved on.

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The now Fab Three all got themselves onto the score sheet today. After the Ox put them in front, Liverpool conceded a goal that Leroy Sané had no right scoring. Beating Loris Karius at his near post, the German put City back in the running.

Until an attacking masterclass from Liverpool saw them go from 1-1 to 4-1 in just ten minutes. Two fantastic goals from Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mané were followed by a sublime lob from 40 yards by none other than Mohamed Salah.

The Reds had City on the ropes and it looked like there was no coming back for the league leaders.

But the feeling of elation didn’t last long for the home team.

Leaky as ever

Liverpool’s defensive worries have faded away now Virgil van Dijk is officially a Red. The record signing made his mark when he scored the late winner against Everton in the FA Cup. But today he was ruled out of play due to a tight hamstring. Meaning just two things, Dejan Lovren and sheer panic.

The Croatian didn’t have too much of a shambolic game but his silly errors were still present. Joe Gomez also had an off day, making mistakes that he never usually makes.

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Karius in goal was about as reliable as public transport in a blizzard. The first goal was a horrific howler on the keeper’s part. Other errors just kept coming; City pulled two goals back and closed down Liverpool’s safety net.

It’s time Jurgen Klopp stops giving Karius these huge chances to prove himself. All he’s proved is that he just simply isn’t good enough to be played over Simon Mignolet and Danny Ward. The Coutinho money needs to be invested wisely, and Klopp’s best bet is to poach a top drawer goalkeeper.

A title winning team

Despite today’s defensive dip, Liverpool have an extremely strong side going forward. With VVD set to return and become a regular starter, the Reds just need to bag a proven and successful goalkeeper. Andy Robertson is another refreshing change. The Scot is relishing these starting chances and he had a superb game today. His work ethic just cannot be faulted.

With a reliable keeper between the sticks, Liverpool would be close to unstoppable. Their top four chances are almost set in stone and they look dangerous in the FA Cup and Champions League.

Next: Player Ratings: Liverpool v Manchester City

Hopefully Klopp has someone serious impressive to announce with all this ‘mystery player’ talk. With a little more squad progression, LFC have what it takes to be Premier League champions next season. Do you agree?