Manchester City came from behind to beat Liverpool 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday as they reduced the point gap between themselves and the Premier League table leaders Arsenal to five.
City who were without the league’s top scorer Erling Haaland dominated the game for most of the opening half, but the first real chance came in the eighth minute when Kevin De Bruyne sent in an inviting cross only for Julian Alvarez’ headed effort-meant to connect with llkay Gundogan- to be dealt with, with much ease.
City then got a freekick a few yards away from the eighteen yard box, but Riyad Mahrez, the taker put it just inches away in the 14th minute. Again it was Pep Guardiola’s men dictating proceedings at this time.
But from nowhere, Liverpool, through Allison Becker’s initiated move took the lead. After Trent Alexander-Arnold playing in Diogo Jota, the Portuguese held the ball up front before laying it for Mo Salah who was perfectly placed to slot home the opener.
That goal made it four times the Egyptian has scored against Guardiola’s side this season having netting against the side in the first round of the Premier League, EFL Cup and in the Community Shield.
Mahrez should have equalized four minutes later but his hard shot went just wide. But City did not have to wait long to restore parity. In a move that involved Mahrez and De Bruyne, Jack Grealish set up Alvarez for an easy tap in that sent his manager all crazy at the touchline.
The second half presented a much better start for the hosts because immediately after restart, De Bruyne from a Mahrez cross put the defending Champions in front. It was his second league goal in fourteen games.
Gundogan then made it three for City who are still in hunt for a treble this season. Allison had to be at his best to keep the score 3-1 when he tipped wide a Grealish shot from the left, but the former Aston Villa skipper was not to be denied because in the 74th minute, he got his goal that wrapped up things for City, and Liverpool who put 7 past Manchester United were given a taste of their own medicine.
The table at the end of the game made a good reading for City fans because they had reduced the point gap between themselves and Arsenal to five points. Arsenal play later today against Leeds, and the ball is now on the Gunners hands.
