The EPL Race Is On As Man City Beat Liverpool, 2-1


Defender Stones clearance denies Liverpool a draw and Sane’s 72ne minute goal gave City the win

 

The title race for the EPL has started in earnest as Man City reduces the points to 4 after a near classic encounter with Liverpool at Etihad. It was an enjoyable game, “overall Manchester City just edged it and it’s a fair result. Liverpool put a bit of pressure on in the final 15 minutes.”

City should score as Liverpool get themselves in a mess at the back, Bernardo Silva can walk into the area, his shot is hard but saved by Alisson, it runs out to Sterling who absolutely smashes a strike from 18 yards, it fizzes a few inches wide of the post.

“Dejan Lovren cost Liverpool the game tonight, so poor in defence and his reading of the game”

Manchester City defender John Stones on his goal-line clearance that denied Liverpool’s Salah an equalizer: “I tried to take everything, I spotted the opportunity and I heard it was tight. I’m just happy it didn’t go over the line!  Those sort of things can change a game.”

Fantastic save by Liverpool’s Allison to deny Aguero a second and Firmino’s equalizer for Liverpool

 

With goals from Aguero gave City the lead in the 40th minute before Firmino leveled for Reds in the 64th , while Sane’s brilliant low drive found the net off far post to give City the win

This is Liverpool first in league this season and it speaks volume. City are back in the race.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola to Sky Sports: “The game was a real game for both sides, we beat an incredible team. We were outstanding from the first minute. We are happy for this victory to reduce the gap. Everything is open.

“We don’t have a left-back. Huge compliments to Aymeric Laporte against these strikers. Everyone was outstanding.

“We need Sergio Aguero in these games, his quality makes the difference. To win these games, he has done it all his career and his finish was incredible.

“Liverpool don’t concede goals, and we scored two. We played with courage, so aggressive in our pressing. They are incredibly fast in behind, so dangerous.

“If we lose today it is almost done, it would be so difficult. But we are four points behind them and they are the leaders. We have to fight a lot, but this gives us a lot of confidence.”

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: “It was a big pressure. Very intense game. We were unlucky in our finishing moments. Unluckier than City I would say. Sane scores and the situation with Sadio when he hit the post. They had periods where they dominated the game and everybody felt the intensity. But we came back and had big chances. It is always like this. You have to score in those moments. When Aguero scores there is no angle. In similar situations we didn’t score.

“It was not our or City’s best game because we both made it difficult for the other team. I have already said to the boys this is OK. We lost it but it will happen. Tonight it is not nice but it is not the biggest problem.

“I really like Vincent Kompany but how on Earth is that not a red card? He is last man and he goes in. If he hits Mo [Salah] more he is out for the season. It is not easy for the ref and he may not see it how I see it.

“Our expectations are high. We can play better. On the other side it was an intense game. You have to take the game how it is. You can’t always dominate it. With a bit more luck we could have got 2-2, which would be perfect for us.”