Liverpool’s victory against Pep Guardiola’s somewhat passive Manchester City was based around a mobile front three that dropped back to help out in midfieldIt 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...
Manchester City tried to attack Liverpool’s converted left-back but not only did James Milner contain Raheem Sterling, he set the tone for a controlled victoryLiverpool have so many attacking players of pace and quality they can make light of the absence of Philippe Coutinho and leave Daniel Sturridge on the bench for long periods. They would probably find it hard to be as effective without James Milner, though. The converted full-back is, as his spoof Twitter persona suggests, Mr Dependable. Now operating in a new position at the fifth Premier League club of his remarkable career, Milner will not have surprised anyone at the club he left to join Liverpool.The former Manchester City player is so much more than a...
Touré was meant to be finished, exiled, a rusting hulk junked for parts. In the last month he has instead been the key figure in City’s mini-revivalYou might not have seen the current Star Wars movie. In which case I won’t ruin it by revealing any top-secret plot twists, like the imperial weapon‑shield with one small fatal flaw; the return of a bullish, roided-up Darth Vader; or the usual mawkish family stuff that can only be resolved by the violent death of a male parent.Aside from that you’ll find all the usual things. Infomercial-level acting that doesn’t matter because there are some excellent “fffft” and “zzzzz” weapon noises going on in the background. Good bits where stormtroopers make crackly 1950s‑style...
Two of the Premier League’s highest scorers meet at Anfield on New Year’s Eve. It promises to be an explosive encounter in a tightly fought title contestOne can only imagine how many dustbins have been kicked and desks banged by Sky Sports’ department for hyperbole as they come to terms with not having the rights to show the New Year’s Eve game between Liverpool and Manchester City. After Red Monday and Mersey Monday this could have been Shit-hot Saturday. Instead BT Sport is broadcasting it and no doubt banking on a sizeable number of people tuning in before heading out to celebrate the arrival of 2017. Related: Daniel Sturridge happy with Liverpool support role as he nears full fitness Continue...
The 2015-16 Premier League champions Leicester are only three points above the drop zone and should be aware how the 1936-37 and 1937-38 seasons unfoldedEven after the remarkable draw with Stoke City, and the victory over Manchester City, Leicester City stand only three points above the relegation zone. The possibility they could be relegated as champions is a very real threat. They would not be the first title-winners to go down the following season: that honour belongs to – who else? – Manchester City. Related: Terrible title defences: from Manchester City in 1938 to Leeds in 1993 | Jonathan Wilson Related: The Joy of Six: great Liverpool v Manchester City matches | Scott Murray Continue reading...