10/11/26 at Anfield
For an hour, Liverpool looked capable of going toe-to-toe with the Premier League leaders. Ten-man Liverpool, however, lasted only three minutes before Manchester City made them pay. The Reds lost 3-0, and although the scoreline suggests a lopsided match, it doesn’t entirely reflect how competitive the game actually was. Liverpool showed intensity in the first-half, and was arguably the better side, however, following Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal in the 62nd minute with a second yellow card, City went on to dominate.
The storyline surrounding this game was nothing other than the 115 charges faced by Manchester City. Thus, the first-half showed a frantic and physical style of play from both sides, rather than the fluid and exhilarating style fans were used to seeing between Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp. Neither team had clear-cut chances, but were showing they could get themselves into good positions. However, both teams defensive structures remained intact. At the break, the game was relatively even and short on major chances.
Starting the second half, the Reds were extremely aggressive. Donnarumma was forced into multiple saves from Lewis Koumas, Gravenberch, and Alexis Mac Allister. They appeared to be gaining momentum, and quickly. But, only 17 minutes into the second half, and Gravenberch was booked for his second yellow, completely changing the dynamic of the contest. Whether the second yellow was justified could be an entire article within itself, however, the fact of the matter was that Liverpool lost a key midfielder, who at the time was likely the best player in red on the pitch.
The punishment was almost instantaneous. Erling Haaland scored in the 65th minute, and Jeremy Doku followed in the 68th. Six minutes had passed and the game was more or less complete. Finally, as they tried to remain competitive, Liverpool left themselves open at the back and City completed a wonderful team goal finished off by Rayan Cherki to put the blues up 3-0.
Although the red card was a game-changing moment, it should be used in no way as an excuse for why Liverpool lost the game. Following Gravenberch’s departure, the Reds lacked guile and intensity, which ultimately led to mistake after mistake. Instead of settling into a compact defensive structure with the hope of salvaging a point in a draw, they conceded almost immediately, killing any hope of a good result.
There were encouraging signs in Liverpool’s ability to match City, but they ultimately exposed the difference between competing vs. controlling the decisive moments in a match. The Reds may feel the scoreline is harsher than their performance deserved, but City ultimately provided a sharp reminder that against the Premier League’s best, one mistake can change the landscape of an entire match.
Liverpool will go on to face Lask Linz away in the Champions League on Tuesday. We go again…up the Reds!
