It was City who ran away with another important victory in the top-of-the-table clash against Liverpool, having eventually played their way to a 4-1 victory. But in the first instance, a lot could have changed. Rodri had already picked up a yellow card and when he stopped Cody Gakpo from charging towards the City goal, many thought he would receive his second. Referee Simon Hooper chose to keep the cards in his pocket, much to the disappointment of clearly disgruntled Liverpool players. Even after the match, it was barely there. In a press release, Manchester City states that Liverpool’s player bus was attacked by angry fans after the match. The bus is said to have been damaged on its way through a residential area. – Such incidents are completely unacceptable, and we strongly condemn them, writes City, who also say they are disappointed by “inappropriate supporter chants” from their own fans during the match. – Rodri is lucky The incident on the pitch triggered pushing and shoving, and it was rough on the pitch. YELLOW CARD?: Many believe Rodri should have received his second yellow card. Photo: JASON CAIRNDUFF / Reuters – It is a very positive attacking opportunity, and then there should be a second yellow card and therefore red, said Viaplay’s expert Pål-André Helland. He is supported by several people. – Rodri is lucky not to be expelled there. Would have received yellow number one if he hadn’t already. Then by definition he will have yellow number two, writes Viaplay expert Lars Tjærnås on Twitter. – As a supporter watching this match, I think it’s a yellow card all day long. It’s a confusing decision, I think, says the BBC’s expert Ashley Williams. Viaplay’s expert Tor Ole Skullerud believes it could change the game. – It could have turned this settlement in the opposite direction, he said. ON THE STAND: Erling Braut Haaland had to watch City’s ravages from the stands. Photo: PAUL ELLIS / AFP Still, City were ultimately supreme. The City manager himself also thinks so. – From the first minute to the 93rd it was a perfect performance, Guardiola told BT Sport after the match. Jürgen Klopp is very unhappy with what he saw on the pitch. – The goals, and how we let them in, are difficult to accept. We didn’t make a real attempt, hell. It is completely unacceptable, to be honest, says the German after the match. He does not want to say that the match could have ended differently if Rodri had been sent off. – I’m not so sure if we would have won against ten men today, says Klopp. Took the lead against the run of the game It was Liverpool and Mohamed Salah who took the first step in the big game, slightly against the run of the game. Jota was played through, and it could look like the Portuguese was offside, but the TV pictures showed that he was on the right side. The attacker then passed to Salah, who put the ball safely into the goal on the spot. Liverpool thus led the big match at City’s home ground. However, the blue jerseys had to respond. Haaland’s replacement in the forward position, Julian Alvarez, put the ball in the goal after a magnificent attack in front. The TV images showed an injured Haaland in ecstasy in the stands together with the rest of “Team Haaland”. Then City would get a dream opening in the second half. The blue shirts got a transfer opportunity against a Liverpool team that stood tall. Riyad Mahrez hit a perfect cross along the ground, and Kevin De Bruyne put the ball into an almost empty goal. PLAYGROUND: Manchester City eventually had full control against Liverpool. Photo: CARL RECINE / Reuters – Nightmare start for Klopp, commented Viaplay’s Andreas Toft. Ruined with Liverpool It was to get worse for the red shirts. For City only picked up the pace, and a short time later the home team would further increase their lead. A shot from Alvarez was blocked, but Ilkay Gündogan reacted quickly and tapped in to make it 3–1 for City. Haaland’s teammates continued the rampage throughout the match, and playing mate Jack Grealish rolled in 4-1 for the blue shirts. Former Liverpool player Carragher saw his average to come with a jab at Haaland. He has previously stated that the Norwegian may have chosen the wrong club. – So I was right. Manchester City is better than Haaland, the former centre-back joked on Twitter. The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are still well in the title race, but league leaders Arsenal can respond later on Saturday when they face relegation-threatened Leeds. Liverpool, on the other hand, are in huge trouble when it comes to Champions League play next season. There are seven points up on fourth-placed Tottenham, with one game to spare.
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City wreaked havoc in the big match – Liverpool raged against the referee – news Sport – Sports news, results and broadcasting schedule
