Liverpool prove Man City will have tough fight for Premier League title again

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool shakes hands with Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City prior to the FA Community Shield match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool shakes hands with Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City prior to the FA Community Shield match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on August 04, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Liverpool will take Man City on toe-to-toe in the Premier League again after they prove themselves equal in Community Shield tie.

As Liverpool and Man City opened the curtain to the 2019/20 season it was evident once again that the two sides will fight toe-to-toe for the Premier League and major honors.

The Community Shield at Wembley saw a sluggish first half from Jurgen Klopp’s side before a much improved second half performance showed the watching world how close the sides still are.

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An early Raheem Sterling goal gave the league champions the lead but the Reds grew in confidence after the break and equalized through Joel Matip.

Only some smart saves from Claudio Bravo denying Mohamed Salah a winner took the game into penalties. Gini Wijnaldum was the only player on either side not to find the back of the net and City took home the shield.

Alisson Becker almost saved Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s effort. Such fine lines define games and seasons. This year will be no different.

The Reds finished one point behind their rivals last season with a historic 97 points. This unprecedented City side were taken to the wire by Klopp’s big red machine.

Many Kopites have been worried that the lack of first team signings at Anfield will mean City will have the advantage this time around.

Rodri was the only new signing on display yesterday and, while his quality is apparent, he didn’t make a huge impression on the game.

There is reason to believe that the aging core of Pep Guardiola’s side could give way to Liverpool this year despite having the greater depth. David Silva will turn 34 this season, his last at the Etihad. Fernandinho was missing through injury and will be 35 when the season wraps up.

Sergio Aguero is a little younger at 31 but that is the age forwards usually begin to see a drop in effectiveness. Vincent Kompany – whose late goal against Leicester City effectively sealed last year’s title – has already left.

Liverpool, on the other hand, are reaching their prime. Only James Milner is in his thirties. The core of this side is reaching their prime together over the next few years.

I have been disappointed the Reds haven’t capitalized on winning the European Cup in the transfer market. However, I am encouraged that City have not made huge additions to their first team in the transfer market either.

The 100-point mark in the Premier League is a huge target. But it is one that Liverpool have just as much chance of reaching as City if yesterday’s game is any indication. Up the Reds!