Match Report: Manchester City vs. Liverpool - Premier League 2024-25

Date: 2025-02-23 Time: 16:30:00+00:00 Venue: Etihad Stadium

1. Final Score

Manchester City 0 - 2 Liverpool

Liverpool secured a dominant away victory, extending their lead at the top of the Premier League table to a commanding 11 points. The key reasons behind the scoreline were Liverpool's clinical finishing, particularly in the first half, and their resolute defensive performance that stifled Manchester City's attack. City's injury woes and lack of a cutting edge in the final third also contributed to their defeat.

2. Key Moments

• 12th Minute: Goal - Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) - A well-worked set-piece routine saw Salah open the scoring, capitalizing on City's defensive lapse. The goal was a result of a training ground routine, catching City off guard.
• 37th Minute: Goal - Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool) - Salah turned provider, setting up Szoboszlai for a well-taken goal, further extending Liverpool's lead. This goal highlighted Liverpool's counter-attacking threat and City's defensive vulnerabilities.
• 42nd Minute: Omar Marmoush Goal Disallowed (Manchester City) - Marmoush found the net, but the goal was ruled out for offside. This was a crucial moment as a goal then could have changed the momentum of the game.
• 75th Minute: Trent Alexander-Arnold Substitution (Liverpool) - After struggling to contain Jeremy Doku, Alexander-Arnold was substituted, indicating Liverpool's tactical adjustment to solidify their defense.
• Full Time: Liverpool Victory - Liverpool secured a 2-0 victory, marking their first league win at the Etihad Stadium in nearly a decade and solidifying their position as title favorites.

3. Notable Performances

• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): The Egyptian forward was the standout performer, scoring the opening goal and providing the assist for Szoboszlai's goal. His clinical finishing and creative play were instrumental in Liverpool's victory. He also broke several records in the process.
• Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool): The Hungarian midfielder scored a crucial goal and displayed excellent work rate and tactical awareness throughout the match.
• Jeremy Doku (Manchester City): Despite City's defeat, Doku was a bright spark, causing problems for Alexander-Arnold with his dribbling skills. However, his final product lacked precision.
• Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool): Mac Allister's face was a picture and it told part of the story. It was an hour or so after the whistle had blown on Liverpool’s 2-0 win at Manchester City on Sunday and the war wounds were visible, the signs of sacrifice.

4. Tactical Overview

Manchester City:

• Formation: Expected to be 4-3-3, but played more like a 4-2-4 due to injuries.
• Tactics: Guardiola aimed to control possession and dictate the tempo of the game. They attempted to exploit Liverpool's flanks, particularly targeting Alexander-Arnold. However, without Haaland's presence and De Bruyne's full fitness, their attack lacked a focal point and creativity. The high press was less effective than anticipated, allowing Liverpool to break quickly.
• Weaknesses: Defensive instability, particularly in central defense, was exposed by Liverpool's counter-attacks. The absence of Haaland and De Bruyne's diminished form significantly impacted their attacking threat.

Liverpool:

• Formation: 4-3-3, transitioning to a 4-2-4 in attack.
• Tactics: Slot set up Liverpool to exploit City's defensive vulnerabilities with quick counter-attacks and pressing in midfield. They targeted City's potentially weakened central defense and capitalized on set-piece opportunities. The midfield duo of Gravenberch and Mac Allister provided excellent cover and support.
• Strengths: Clinical finishing, solid defensive structure, and effective counter-attacking strategy. Salah's individual brilliance and Szoboszlai's work rate were key to their success.

5. Pre-match Analysis Review

The pre-match analysis correctly identified several key factors, but also missed some crucial elements:

What was right:

• Both Teams to Score: The analysis correctly predicted that both teams would be likely to score. While City didn't score, the expectation of an open game with attacking intent from both sides was accurate.
• Liverpool's Attack Exploiting City's Defense: The analysis highlighted Liverpool's potential to exploit City's defensive vulnerabilities, which proved to be a decisive factor in the match.
• Salah's Importance: The analysis correctly identified Salah as a key player for Liverpool, and he delivered a match-winning performance.
• Tactical Battle: The analysis correctly identified Salah vs. Gvardiol as a key tactical battle.

What was wrong:

• Predicted Scoreline: The predicted scoreline of 2-2 was inaccurate. Liverpool's defensive solidity and City's lack of attacking firepower resulted in a lower-scoring game.
• Most Probable Winner: The analysis predicted a draw as the most probable outcome, but Liverpool's dominant performance proved otherwise.
• Underestimated City's Injury Impact: While the analysis acknowledged City's injury concerns, it underestimated the extent to which these absences would affect their attacking potency and defensive stability. The absence of Haaland and the diminished form of De Bruyne were more significant than anticipated.
• Overestimated City's Home Advantage: The analysis emphasized City's home fortress, but Liverpool's tactical approach and clinical execution nullified this advantage.

How close it predicted the game result:

The pre-match analysis was partially correct in identifying the attacking potential of both teams and Liverpool's ability to exploit City's defense. However, it failed to accurately predict the final scoreline and the extent to which City's injury woes would impact their performance. The analysis leaned towards a more balanced and higher-scoring game, while the actual match was dominated by Liverpool's clinical finishing and defensive solidity. The prediction of a draw was incorrect, highlighting the difficulty in accurately forecasting the outcome of high-profile matches.