Manchester City v Liverpool – Zonal Marking

Dreams of defending the Carabao Cup have been shattered for Jürgen Klopp. Manchester City claimed a narrow 3-2 win over Liverpool in an eventful evening at Etihad Stadium. Let us take a look at the performance from Liverpool’s defence, midfield, and attack.

Defence and goalkeeper

It was a mixed night for those involved at the back. Manchester City found the back of the net on three occasions, but one cannot underestimate the quality within Pep Guardiola’s team. Unsurprisingly, Erling Haaland opened the scoring, before Nathan Ake sealed the victory, making the final outcome 3-2. With that in mind, Liverpool’s Carabao Cup landmark of 150th wins in the history has been deferred.

Throughout the years spent at the helm of the club, the last thing Klopp wanted was to play in the League cup. His line-ups were a source of debate in the past. This time, you cannot question his choices, given the high number of unavailable players.

Joe Gomez and Joel Matip got the nod in the heart of the defence. James Milner on the right side, and Andy Robertson on the left. As expected, Kelleher started in goal. His teamates in front of him had a night to forget. Gomez failed to mark Haaland in the penalty box, the prolific striker availed of the freedom he received, and broke the deadlock in a clinical fashion.

Moreover, Liverpool’s injury woes continues, it was less than 45 minutes in the game when James Milner needed to be taken off and replaced by Nat Phillips.

Score: 2

Midfield

According to “WhoScored”, the majority of shots directions came from the middle, and most of them were taken in 18 yards box. That being said, players reaction was slow-off-the-mark.

Klopp fielded Harvey Elliot, Stefan Bajcetic, and Thiago in the first-team. In most situations, they were outrun by City’s De Bruyne, Rodri, Gundogan, and lacked momentum. It was Thiago, who showed glimpses of his magic technical abilities, but didn’t do enough up front. Elliot and Bajcetic looked far away.

Second-half brought alterations. Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jordan Henderson and Naby Keita came on the pitch to change the flow of the game. The almost forgotten man Oxlade-Chamberlain provided a great ball in the lead up to Mo Salah’s goal, and looked sharp overall. The other two in question couldn’t really impact the game.

Score: 2

Attack

The Reds still haven’t overcome a crippling injury crisis. The attack is depleted with Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz out for the forseeable future. Fabio Carvalho filled the void on the left side, where he was deployed as a winger. After a disappointing end of Uruguay’s journey in Qatar, Darwin Núñez started as the central striker, and Salah on the right wing.

If there’s something Carvalho needs to work on, it’s his physicality. He looked week, and the lack of having enough muscle let City’s players intercept the ball from him. Still only 20 years-old, he has the world at his feet. He managed to cancel Haaland’s striker and get the equaliser for the visiting side with a precise shoot.

Núñez had plenty of chances to hit home, but instead, he fired wide three times. When he’s a constant menace in the opponent’s penalty box, but needs to work on his efficacy in front of the goal. The last of the front three – Salah, looked a shadow of himself. However, he made it 2-2 in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to stay in the EFL Cup.

Score: 3

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