Liverpool showcased their attacking prowess and tactical discipline in a dominant 2-0 victory over Manchester City in Match Week 13 at Anfield. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah found the net for the Reds, while City’s usually fluid attack faltered, managing just 7 shots with a combined xG of 0.51. Liverpool’s sharp finishing and relentless pressing proved too much for Pep Guardiola’s side.
Key Stats and Match Momentum
Liverpool’s xG of 3.86 dwarfed City’s 0.51, reflecting the Reds’ cutting edge in attack. Klopp’s men fired 19 shots to City’s 7, with 5 on target compared to City’s 2. The match momentum graph shows Liverpool’s early dominance, capped by Gakpo’s opener in the 12th minute (xG: 0.79). City struggled to build any sustained pressure, with Liverpool maintaining control throughout.
Shots Taken and Shots on Goal
The shot maps underline Liverpool’s attacking intent, with efforts consistently aimed from dangerous central areas. Salah’s goal in the 77th minute (xG: 0.76) epitomized their clinical edge.
Conversely, City’s shot map reveals a lack of penetration, with most efforts coming from low-probability areas outside the box.
Possession Tactics: Pass Map Insights
Liverpool’s pass map highlights a balanced approach, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson orchestrating from wide areas while Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai dictated the midfield tempo. Salah’s movement off the right flank created overloads, causing problems for City’s backline.
City’s pass map shows an uncharacteristic lack of vertical progression, with much of the play circulating between Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Ilkay Gündo?an. Erling Haaland, isolated for large stretches, struggled to influence the game, underscoring City’s lack of fluidity in Liverpool’s half.
This was a statement win for Liverpool, who combined defensive solidity with attacking brilliance. Slot’s tactical setup nullified City’s strengths, and their clinical finishing sealed the three points. For City, this result raises questions about their ability to break down organized defenses, particularly in high-pressure matches. Anfield, once again, proved an insurmountable fortress.