It was somewhat surprising that Liverpool and Manchester City, two teams renowned for their attacking firepower and defensive shortcomings, produced only three shots on target combined in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory on New Year’s Eve. But that statistic should be considered evidence of Liverpool’s excellent game management – after going ahead in the eighth minute through Georginio Wijnaldum’s bullet header from Adam Lallana’s left-wing cross, they shut down the game impressively.
In truth, Pep Guardiola’s side had started better and Wijnaldum’s goal was somewhat against the run of play. But thereafter, Liverpool’s first-half performance was outstanding, a brilliant demonstration of the principles Jürgen Klopp emphasises, and a complete success in terms of nullifying City’s attacking threat. There was a range of simple but effective tactics. Klopp ordered his players to press high up when Claudio Bravo had the ball, preventing him from distributing it short to the centre-backs and forcing him into unusually long, often aimless clearances downfield. Liverpool were generally quicker to the second balls. Liverpool also counterpressed in typically fervent fashion, attempting to win possession immediately after it had been conceded.
Related: Georginio Wijnaldum gives Liverpool deserved win against Manchester City
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