For years, Manchester City have been the team to beat in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola’s side achieving unprecedented success. Liverpool, however, have been their closest rivals, pushing them all the way in title races, while also inflicting painful defeats in the Champions League and FA Cup. Jurgen Klopp’s powerhouse Liverpool side have been a thorn in Guardiola’s side, and when they met at Anfield last October, Liverpool emerged victorious with a 1-0 win.
This time, however, it was a different story. At Etihad Stadium, City ran out 4-1 winners, and could have won by more. Despite being without the services of Erling Haaland and Phil Foden, City were still able to produce a magnificent team display to run out easy winners. Guardiola described Liverpool as “the biggest rival I have had in my career,” and it was clear that City had no trouble finding a way to victory.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Jack Grealish, who stepped up in Haaland’s absence to score one goal and make another. Grealish showed his quality throughout the game, making a crucial contribution to the equaliser when he raced back to thwart Mohamed Salah’s breakaway. Grealish was substituted to a standing ovation, and his performance summed up City’s strength.
Liverpool, meanwhile, were left dejected. They had gone ahead early on through Salah, but City soon took control of the game and Liverpool were unable to respond. Klopp looked and sounded dejected in his post-match address, and his team now face a battle to secure a top four finish.
The gap between the two teams has suddenly become a chasm, and it will take a lot of work for Liverpool to get back in sight in the rear-view mirror again. City have hit a hot streak of seven straight wins, and with performances like this, it is clear that they are still the team to beat in the Premier League. Liverpool will need to address their failings in several areas if they are to challenge City again, and it remains to be seen whether or not they can do so.