LIVERPOOL 1, MAN CITY 0
Manchester City’s defeat at Liverpool leaves them a colossal 10 points adrift of leaders Chelsea as their fading Premier League title hopes were dealt another massive blow.
It was another disappointing display from lacklustre City as they slipped to a fourth league loss with the halfway point of the season still not reached.
Georginio Wijnaldum’s early goal separated the teams as Liverpool made it four wins in their last five games against City.
City, who remain third but now four points adrift of Liverpool, failed to find the net for only the second time on their league travels and could have no complaints as it was a performances devoid of creativity, even though they enjoyed 57-per-cent of possession.
They managed nine attempts on goal, but none troubled keeper Simon Mignolet. And though Liverpool’s goal came from their only on target chance, they managed the game superbly.
City were never allowed to dictate play as Liverpool pressed and prevented their opponents from playing out from the back.
As happened at Leicester, City were frequently forced to hoof the ball aimlessly upfield giving away possession, not the way manager Pep Guardiola wishes to play.
And as is happening all too frequently, teams have found a way to stop City playing, something Guardiola needs to address.
City’s manager thought his side controlled the game and that the game was “equal”.
Guardiola would not be draw on the fact City are 10 points behind Chelsea saying the only focus is on the next game and only what his side does.
And he added there is still a lot to fight for – Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
“With one month of the season left, we will see what our targets are,” he said adding that it is a case of being patient.
“I am delighted by the way we train and try to do new things. Sometimes you need more time and it is a case of being patient and keep going.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believed his side deserved its victory saying they had to be at their best against a really good side.
“I cannot remember City creating a lot of chances which is the biggest compliment to my side,” he said.
Klopp added the “problem” was that his side was not as good in possession as it could be.
“We worked hard and had to work hard for three points. We were good enough – cool.”
Guardiola made surprisingly few changes, only three from the Boxing Day victory at Hull City.
Sergio Aguero was back after completing a four-match ban while there was a new full-back pairing of Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksandar Kolarov.
The players to make way were Gael Clichy, Bacary Sagna and Nolito.
Liverpool were still without the injured Joel Matip and Philippe Coutinho. They made one change from the win against Stoke City as Emre Can came in for Divok Origi.
It was a dream start for Liverpool as they took an eighth minute lead. Adam Lallana broke on the left and his hanging cross was headed home by Wijnaldum from 12 yards for only his second goal since his summer move from Newcastle.
That proved to be the only shot on target by either side in the opening period that saw Can curl an effort not far wide.
City didn’t manage a meaningful goal attempt as they were crowded out as Liverpool’s pressing game never allowed them to dictate play, even though they had 57-per-cent possession in the opening period.
And all four of City’s chances were off target as they lacked a cutting edge.
City’s first shot on target came after 54 minutes, but Aguero shot straight at keeper Simon Mignolet from outside the box.
David Silva then fired narrowly wide after cutting in from the right as City suddenly came alive.
Kolarov then had a shot that took a deflection, but was easily saved by Mignolet.
Livrpool were dealt an injury blow midway through the second half when captain Jordan Henderson limped off with a heel problem to be replaced by Origi.
Guardiola didn’t make his first change until the 86th minute when Zabaleta was replaced by Jesus Navas as they went three at the back in pursuit of an equaliser.
And in the last minute Kelechi Iheanacho replaced Yaya Toure in one last attempt to find a way back into the game.