Reds win 4 in a row / Image by mirror.co.uk
Liverpool Win Again!
There was no better way to close the year any better than with a Premier League game between high-flying Liverpool and determined Manchester City, who locked horns at Anfield on 31 December.
High expectations have not been met however, but Liverpool fans will have plenty of reason for optimism as their team recorded their fourth win in a row to stay in the title chase behind leaders Chelsea.
Our in-depth match report can be found below:
Form Guide Team News
Both Liverpool and Manchester City headed into the last Premier League match of 2016 in high spirits, looking to extend their three-match winning run. And whereas Liverpool have been displaying some fine football during that time, Manchester City’s struggles were hidden by the results they managed to record.
Pep Guardiola’s men have been suffering from a slight dip in form which reached its climax at Anfield today.
Visitors travelled to Liverpool without captain Vincent Kompany and Fabian Delph who remain long-term injuries, whereas Ilkay Gundogan and Leroy Sane were also missing due to their injuries.
As for the hosts, key man Philippe Coutinho failed to make an appearance despite returning to training last week, while Marko Grujic, Danny Ings, Adam Bogdan and KJoel Matip all remained in the treatment room.
First Half
It wasn’t the most inspiring opening 45 minutes at Anfield, but Liverpool did enough to get their foot in front of Manchester City.
It all started rather well for the Reds, who were in control straight from the off, showing Manchester City that they intend to extend their fine form and build on the recent results in order to remain in the Premier League title chase.
Deadlock was broken after only eight minutes in the game when Adam Lallana showcased his brilliant technique, after a lost ball by Aleksandar Kolarov at the other end, to produce a lovely lofted cross towards the area and Georginio Wijnaldum.
Former Newcastle United man latched on the ball with an impressive flying header to put the ball past Bravo and send the home fans to meltdown.
Today’s assist allowed Adam Lallana to extend his fantastic form as the England international now stands at seven goals and as many assists for Liverpool.
James Milner was another standout performer for Liverpool as makeshift Reds left-back displayed great composure, strength and stamina – helping his team at back and in attack. Milner was unfortunate to see his wonderful lofted through pass towards Firmino, as the Brazilian failed to control the ball at the edge of the box, much to the disappointment of the anticipating crowd.
Liverpool managed to fulfil Jurgen Klopp’s demands as the Reds managed to control and contain Sergio Aguero, who returned to action following suspension. Liverpool will have brilliant Ragnar Klavan to thank for neutralizing the powerful Argentinean, with Estonia international putting in a commanding display at the back.
Second Half
Manchester City returned to the pitch determined to make a difference and get back in the game. Guardiola’s men were getting more of the ball and in dangerous positions too, firing their first shot on target after 54 minutes of action.
Indisposed, and out-of-form Sergio Aguero found some shooting space and fired it towards the goal from 25 yards, but Mingolet had no problems containing the ball.
Momentum was growing for the Citizens as Silva had a pop at goal a minute later, sending it flying narrowly wide of the post. Another chance for City occurred two minutes later when Sterling made a good run in behind the Liverpool defence, only to hit the side-netting.
Tide of attacks from Manchester City continued in 59th minute when De Bruyne had a chance to make something out of the ball inside the box, but his attempted cross got blocked by Wijnaldum.
It can be said that Manchester City were very much on top during the second half, but Liverpool displayed great composure in defence to ward off the attacks and keep their net still.
In the end the game at Anfield turned into a rather uneventful affair with the total shots on goal statistic standing at 1-2.
Liverpool displayed great mental strength and perseverance to grab much needed three points and to end 2016 in high spirits. The Reds closed the gap back to six points behind Chelsea, while moving four point clear of Manchester City in third place in the standings.
Statistical Overview
City dominated possession with 57% to Liverpool’s 43%
The two teams had a shared tally of 12 fouls each
Man City failed to win at Anfield on last 15 occasions
Lallana has now amassed 7 assists in the Premier league
Liverpool record their fourth straight Premier League win
LIVERPOOL: Mignolet 6.5 – Clyne 7, Lovren 7, Klavan 7.5, Milner 7.5 – Can 6.5, Henderson 7 (Origi 6.5), Wijnaldum 7.5 – Mane 7 (Lucas -), Lallana 7.5, Firmino 6.5
Unused subs: Alexander-Arnold, Ejaria, Moreno, Karius, Sturridge.
MANCHESTER CITY: Bravo 6 – Zabaleta 6 (Navas -), Otamendi 6.5, Stones 6.5, Kolarov 5.5 – Fernandinho 6, Toure 6.5 (Iheanacho -) – Silva 6.5, De Bruyne 6, Sterling 6.5 – Aguero 5.5
Unused subs: Caballero, Clichy, Garcia, Fernando, Sagna.
REFEREE: Craig Pawson
Other results today
Burnley 4-1 Sunderland
Chelsea 4-2 Stoke City
Leicester 1-0 West Ham
Manchester United 2-1 Middlesbrough
Southampton 1-2 West Brom
Swamsea 0-3 Bournemouth
