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Had been we only a handful of minutes from the Premier League title race being over? It felt prefer it and captain Bernardo Silva admitted as a lot.
Arsenal’s lead was about to be prolonged to 9 factors with 13 video games to go and Metropolis’s problem had crumbled, a bit just like the flimsy defensive wall that Dominik Szoboszlai exploited to present the lead with one other thunderbolt of a free-kick.
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After which, expensive reader, . It was chaotic, loopy and a bit bonkers – summed up not simply by Metropolis’s extraordinary comeback however the pleasure police that’s the referee fraternity (and the legal guidelines) cancelling a 3rd purpose and sending off Szoboszlai as a substitute. Taking part in the benefit? Eager to see objectives? Neglect about it. Let VAR become involved and ban a participant as a substitute. “Widespread sense,” Pep Guardiola stated. “Give a purpose.” Regardless of the guidelines say, that’s completely proper.
On the finish Metropolis celebrated lengthy and exhausting in entrance of their followers, who in all probability couldn’t consider what that they had simply witnessed, with Erling Haaland pushing ahead Guardiola’s No 2 Pep Lijnders, who beforehand fulfilled that function at Liverpool below Jürgen Klopp.
Guardiola joined in because it sunk in what the end result meant. Not least having received at Anfield, when the stadium was full, for the primary time below him (beforehand shedding six and drawing three). The one different victory was in February 2021, throughout lockdown, with out supporters.
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“The entire group knew earlier than the sport the title race is over if we misplaced,” Silva stated. As these celebrations broke on the market had been boos from the annoyed Liverpool followers, with Arne Slot left staring on the actuality that his group had taken the lead however had been unable to see it by means of as their title defence has become a determined scramble to complete within the high 5 and qualify for the Champions League.
They’re 4 factors behind Chelsea, stage with seventh-placed Brentford.
If they don’t make the highest 5, is it throughout for Slot? Sadly it could – logically – seem so and what a distinction the scenes at that closing whistle had been with those who adopted Szoboszlai’s purpose when Anfield rocked and there was that primal stir that solely this stadium can elicit.
Liverpool had been main as much as the 83rd minute with this the most recent they’ve ever been forward in a Premier League sport at Anfield and misplaced. It’s also only one win in seven league video games for them.
If Arsenal don’t declare the title then we’ll look again at what occurred after Szoboszlai’s purpose because the turning level for Metropolis who had been once more paying a heavy worth for that smooth underbelly the place they dominate however fail to indicate a ruthless edge.
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Afterwards it was Slot who was left aggravated – complaining in regards to the penalty that Metropolis got, one which Liverpool weren’t given however, above all, absolutely the acceptance that his group weren’t adequate.
It was a sport that swung on so many incidents. After a primary half by which Metropolis had been far superior, with Liverpool penned in, unable to retain possession and easily holding on, it turned.
Liverpool had been much better after that and in addition to Marc Guéhi performed for Metropolis – he was booed by the house followers though it was not his fault his transfer fell by means of on deadline day final summer time – he was caught out and clearly pulled Mohamed Salah again on the sting of the penalty space.
Mohamed Salah had his penalty enchantment waved away by referee Craig Pawson – Peter Byrne/PA
Liverpool needed a purple card for the denial of a goalscoring alternative however, in reality, Metropolis substitute Rúben Dias was coming throughout and the angle for Salah’s shot would have been acute.
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As an alternative Salah blasted the free-kick wildly over which captured his dwindling significance and his waywardness, aside from a stunning outside-of-the-foot cross which Hugo Ekitike headed broad when he ought to have scored.
The free-kick for Szoboszlai’s purpose was 30 yards out. However he was at all times going to shoot – so why did Metropolis solely have a two-man wall with Dias then inexplicably pushing Cody Gakpo out of the way in which to create the house for Szoboszlai to strike a robust drive that veered away from Gianluigi Donnarumma?
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At that time the Metropolis obituaries had been being written and the questions round Haaland, who had contributed so little, with Virgil van Dijk having a cigar out, had been intensifying.
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However he did what world-class gamers do and sparked into life. The catalyst? It was the substitute Rayan Cherki who performed an element in each Metropolis objectives and scored the one which was dominated out.
Cue one other debate. Liverpool have Florian Wirtz and whereas he’s enhancing he has definitely been eclipsed as a playmaker by the far cheaper Cherki. And so it proved as Cherki’s chip was headed on by Haaland for the excellent Silva to stretch and volley house.
Even a draw was not sufficient for Metropolis and whereas Liverpool owe a lot to Alisson, the goalkeeper was rash when he rushed out and clattered into Matheus Nunes as he ran onto one other Cherki supply.
It was deep in stoppage time, the penalty was given and Haaland held the ball as his pal, Szoboszlai chirped in his ear – as did Alexis Mac Allister. It didn’t work and Haaland had his first purpose at Anfield.
Even after that there have been two extra unbelievable incidents with a exceptional save by Donnarumma as he tipped away Mac Allister’s deflected shot. Then, with Alisson in Metropolis’s half as Liverpool continued to hunt an equaliser, Cherki tried to pick Haaland who was pulled again by Szoboszlai, with the ball trickling into the purpose.
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Sport over? No, referee Craig Pawson ultimately chalked it off and dismissed Szoboszlai. It didn’t have an effect on the end result nevertheless it capped the chaos.
“13 video games within the Premier League from my expertise is plenty of time,” Guardiola warned. And so, from being out of it, Metropolis will transfer to inside three factors of Arsenal in the event that they beat Fulham, at house, on Wednesday with Mikel Arteta’s aspect then having a tough away fixture at Brentford on Thursday. We could rapidly know the way massive this result’s.
07:32pm
Some loud music the backing monitor to post-match interviews
One assumes it’s coming from a jubilant Man Metropolis dressing room. “You’ve obtained to indicate a little bit of respect… and switch the bloody music down,” is Roy Keane’s verdict.
07:29pm
Extra from Slot talking on Sky
One other nice Liverpool vs Man Metropolis sport as now we have seen through the years. It’s a very disappointing final result.
They had been extra comfy on the ball than us and it didn’t result in many massive probabilities. Second half it was the other. After which for them after they had been close to our field it was a purpose which is disappointing. We had probabilities when Curtis Jones has the ball and Salah makes a deep run. Sadly, Guehi intercepted it after which all of us noticed what occurred.
If the sport goes on, you might be at all times hoping you’ll be able to preserve the vitality going after which generally they make errors. We had a superb and spectacular second half however sadly it was not a constructive end result.
07:19pm
Slot not proud of Guehi foul on Salah
If there may be any incident we should always speak about, it’s when Mo Salah is one on one with the goalkeeper. Anybody who has been to this stadium within the final seven or eight years, that may be a purpose for Salah. As soon as once more, the referee decides not in our favour. They need to do their job.
07:19pm
Arne Slot chatting with BBC
Within the first half, Manchester Metropolis had been the higher group with out creating many massive probabilities however that they had the ball extra in our half. The second half, we had been on high and had good moments. We went 1-0 up and hardly gave something away. Simply earlier than the top, one deflected cross falls good for them and It’s 1-1. We tried to forestall and so they received the primary header. Good anticipation from Bernardo [Silva] and good end.
We’re getting nearly used to conceding a purpose in additional time, it occurred once more immediately.
07:13pm
Van Dijk response (whereas loud music performs within the tunnel)
We weren’t adequate within the first half, within the second half we had been a lot better.
Between the equaliser and their winner, each groups had been going for the winner, and the penalty determined the sport.
You’re by no means in full management in opposition to Metropolis. You’re by no means comfy.
My feeling is that after the equaliser we had been each making an attempt to attain the winner.
We’ve got solely ourselves guilty. The penalty second was the deciding second and that’s the actuality.
We’ve got to show consideration to Sunderland as a result of that shall be a giant problem.
07:08pm
Jamie Carragher on what the end result means for Liverpool
It’s a foul one. Once you take a look at the league for Liverpool, it seems like a protracted method to get into the top-five Champions League positions. There’s a spot now. You may make that up, however Liverpool should do effectively within the two cup competitions to save lots of the season.
It seems a great distance again. Once you take a look at Liverpool’s bench for the sport in opposition to Sunderland in midweek, Szoboszlai received’t be taking part in now and so they’ve obtained an issue at right-back.
A whole lot of Liverpool’s season is about errors you can not consider from gamers of that calibre. Van Dijk at Bournemouth, Alisson immediately. You possibly can’t consider a goalkeeper of his calibre makes the choice to do this for the penalty.
07:05pm
Guardiola on profitable at Anfield ultimately (with followers)
We received, so we’re proud. We made an unbelievable first half however missed some probabilities. Dominik Szoboszlai made a replica and paste purpose like in opposition to Arsenal, what a strike, what a shot, what a participant. However in the long run, we had perception in our captain [Bernardo] for us his character and character not to surrender. In the long run we got here again!
I want to win with an unbelievable crowd like Liverpool, primarily as I don’t need Covid again. That is particular. That is an extremely exhausting place to return. In opposition to Arne it’s troublesome, with Klopp it was troublesome. The standard and historical past they’ve, it’s good.
Pep Guardiola now has Arsenal in his sights – Paul Ellis/Getty Photos
07:01pm
Gary Neville’s on VAR ruling out Metropolis’s third
I simply don’t get this. (Szoboszlai’s) fouled him. That’s the foul.
That feels so unjust. I do know there’s guidelines however there may be the odor of the sport.
No referee ought to disallow that purpose however it’s going to be disallowed.
Discuss killjoy. Simply let the purpose be.
You may have simply killed one of many nice moments of the season.
You reside to observe video games like this. I’m a fan of VAR nevertheless it has simply killed the enjoyment.
The explanation followers watch soccer matches is for leisure and for moments like that.
06:59pm
The calm after the storm
On the stability of the 90 minutes, it could have been harsh on Metropolis had they misplaced the sport. They had been a lot the higher aspect within the first half, and will have taken a lead into half-time.
06:53pm
Man Metropolis’s celebrations
That is their first win in entrance of followers at Anfield below Guardiola, in any competitors. That was a fairly exceptional sequence contemplating the groups he has managed at Metropolis over a decade, however it’s over now.
Manchester Metropolis followers jubilant within the away finish – Adam Vaughan/Shutterstock
06:49pm
VARcical
06:47pm
Bernardo on Metropolis urgent for the winner
For me it’s the hardest floor within the Premier League by far, and for many groups a degree is an effective end result however with the space now we have to Arsenal, we wanted one other purpose.
I really feel the entire group knew earlier than the sport if we misplaced it then the title race was in all probability over. We felt like we wanted to win. The hope is there and we’re going to combat till the top. We have to preserve doing our job that we haven’t these days.
06:46pm
Haaland on his penalty
I used to be actually nervous proper earlier than, all my ideas had been on getting the ball at the back of the online which I didn’t do within the house sport once I missed the penalty. I’ve been practising and I used to be in a position to do it. It was an unbelievable feeling. It was additionally an unbelievable feeling when Bernardo scored. I hoped he celebrated much more however he needed one other purpose, which I beloved. In the long run it was unbelievable emotions.
You see Donnarumma’s save. It’s unbelievable from Mac Allister. For me, it was out of this world, and it exhibits why he’s the perfect on this planet.
And on the disallowed purpose on the finish:
In fact, the referee needed to observe the principles however this can give him three video games, in the long run I really feel dangerous for him as a result of he will get three video games [Correction: Will just be a one-game ban]. Simply give the purpose, don’t give a purple card. Easy as that.
“t’s the principles and the way it’s. If Cherki simply handed me the ball so I can rating… however he didn’t need to, in order that’s simply how it’s!
06:42pm
Liverpool now slightly adrift of high 4
06:37pm
Haaland to TV digital camera about Guehi
“Run after him, go on, go movie him! He obtained booed on a regular basis, go on, movie him, go movie him! Go on, he’s there!”
06:35pm
FT: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 2
Metropolis pull a victory out of the hearth to ignite the title race. It seemed like being one other story of second-half woe after Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick, however Bernardo Silva’s poacher’s purpose and Erling Haaland’s penalty turned it round.
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There was nonetheless time for one of the crucial confounding moments of the season, when Metropolis thought that had scored a comical third purpose, just for VAR to inform the referee to rule it out and ship of Szoboszlai within the dying seconds.
Metropolis inside six factors of Arsenal.
Erling Haaland and his team-mates rejoice a monumental win – Getty Photos/Paul Ellis
06:32pm
NO GOAL AND SZOBOSZLAI RED CARD
What’s going on?! After a VAR assessment together with the pitch by Pawson, he comes again to the incident for which he performed benefit due to the following foul on Szoboszlai from Haaland. VAR guidelines that the second foul by Haaland cancels out the benefit.
“Discuss killjoys, they’ve simply ruined one of many nice moments of the season,” says Gary Neville.
06:30pm
GOOOOALLL! Metropolis seal it in hilarious circumstances
Alisson was caught upfield, and Cherki tried to play Haaland by means of for the faucet in. Szoboszlai tried to drag him down on the fringe of the field, Haaland pulled again Szobozlai, and the ball ran all over into the empty web.
06:28pm
99 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 2
Nonetheless time for a Liverpool penalty enchantment with Alisson up from the nook, with Chiesa and Salah taking place within the field and Rodri sliding in. Unsure there was sufficient in it.
06:27pm
98 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 2
WHAT A SAVE DONNARUMMA! Mac Allister with a volley that took a slight deflection, nevertheless it was looping in direction of the nook when the goalkeeper pushed the ball behind for a nook.
Donnarumma preserved Man Metropolis’s lead with this save – Phil Novle/Reuters
06:25pm
96 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 2
Ait-Nouri misses a golden alternative to complete the sport with a Metropolis third! He was away on the counter and had a lot time to assume as he carried the ball ahead, however he blasted the ball straight at Alisson from a decent angle.
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Wirtz then fouled, and Liverpool may have a closing flurry.
06:23pm
94 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 2
Chiesa is on for Liverpool as they chase an equaliser. There may nonetheless be 4 or 5 minutes to play due to the time it took to arrange the penalty.
06:22pm
GOOOOAALLL! Haaland buries the penalty
Off comes the shirt, and Haaland celebrates with abandon in entrance of the Metropolis followers. Metropolis only a few minutes away from their first win at Anfield in entrance of followers below Guardiola, and the end result would transfer Metropolis to inside six factors of Arsenal.
06:20pm
PENALTY CITY!
Erling Haaland may have an opportunity to absolutely win the sport. Alisson rushed off his line, didn’t get to the ball first, and clipped Nunes shut the the byline. Pawson took his time, however is a particular penalty.
Alisson brings down Matheus Nunes – Sky Sports activities
06:19pm
90 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 1
Cherki picks out Semenyo on the left with a diagonal move, however the winger’s low cross is simply too near the goalkeeper. Alisson then launches the ball ahead, nevertheless it goes straight by means of to Ruben Dias.
06:17pm
88 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 1
The sport is teetering, actually seems like both aspect may create that final massive probability to win it. Liverpool have cleared their heads and are on the assault once more, however Salah’s header from a great distance out was unbelievable and it flies broad. Szoboszlai pushing ahead to provide the cross.
06:14pm
86 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 1
What a end we may very well be in for, and each groups are persevering with to push our bodies ahead. Liverpool may have been in however Guehi intercepts an tried by means of ball from Curtis Jones.
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Have to present a full admission: I used to be muttering to colleagues within the press field that Erling Haaland had not touched the ball within the second half. However that was a very sensible help along with his head for Bernardo Silva. Mea Culpa
06:13pm
GOOOALLL! Bernardo ranges for Metropolis
Nicely, effectively, is there going to be a twist within the story? Cherki’s cross deflects up into the air, Haaland wins a header in entrance of Konate, and Bernardo ghosts into the six-yard field to poke past Alisson. Szoboszlai, poised to be the hero of the hour, was deeper than his team-mates and taking part in him onside.
06:11pm
83 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 0
Promising break for Liverpool, however Wirtz went for the killer chipped move straight to Salah and Guehi learn it. Ought to perhaps have unfold play to the far aspect and slowed issues down. Metropolis again on it, however Liverpool have a stable defensive form to retreat into.
06:09pm
80 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 0
Metropolis simply beginning to take pleasure in a sustained spell of possession within the Liverpool half, however Salah will get again to have a nibble at Cherki and the ball breaks unfastened. Liverpool clear. That won’t be the house group’s final little bit of defending.
06:07pm
78 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 0
Liverpool are value that purpose for his or her second-half exhibiting, nevertheless it was a bolt from the blue when it got here. Metropolis have misplaced their method in one other second half. Konate defends effectively to purchase a foul from Semenyo.
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Probably a giant second for Arsenal, but in addition an important purpose for Liverpool within the race for Champions League qualification.
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Trying again on the Szoboszlai purpose in opposition to Arsenal, that they had three within the wall and he went over them. He was invited to shoot right here in opposition to Metropolis with an even bigger hole to purpose for.
06:05pm
77 minutes: Liverpool 1 Man Metropolis 0
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When Guardiola seems again at that purpose, he will certainly ask why there have been solely two gamers within the defensive wall. Szoboszlai wellied his free-kick the place a 3rd Metropolis defender would have blocked. It will have a stung a bit – however there can be no Liverpool purpose. So Szoboszlai did that in opposition to Arsenal earlier within the season – and now does it to assist them.
06:03pm
GOOOOOAAALL! Szoboszlai with a rocket
Szoboszlai scored an impressive free-kick to down Arsenal in August and this one is perhaps even higher. You count on a right-footer to curve the ball from right-to-left with their instep, however the Hungarian goes for optimum energy. It was a pushed effort, hit barely off the surface of his boot so it swerved away from Donnarumma and cracked in off the put up. Probably the greatest free-kicks you’ll see and it’s Szoboszlai’s fourth purpose of the season.
06:01pm
73 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
One other inswinger cross into the Metropolis penalty space, this time from Salah, and yet one more necessary punch by Donnarumma. Mac Allister was the Liverpool participant making an attempt to get his head to it. Gravenberch then wins a foul, round 35 yards from the Metropolis purpose, very central.
05:59pm
71 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
From that free-kick, Salah slashed a shot over the bar. However Liverpool proceed to be within the ascendancy.
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Haaland and Semenyo are struggling to make the ball stick, however their menace is ever-present.
05:58pm
69 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
That is the sport’s largest flashpoint thus far: Salah rolls Guehi and is the fallacious aspect of the defender, and the centre-back pulls his shirt on the fringe of the field. Is {that a} penalty?
VAR checks, and the foul was simply exterior the field.
Then VAR checks to see if Guehi has denied a transparent goalscoring alternative. The decision isn’t any. Guehi’s yellow card stands.
There was a overlaying defender and Salah was on the nook of the field fairly than between the posts.
05:55pm
67 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Metropolis followers watching will really feel they’ve seen this movie earlier than. It’s one other second half by which they seem like fading bodily and ceding the impetus. Gravenberch with a wild shot over the bar from lengthy vary which provides Metropolis the possibility to reset.
05:54pm
65 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Good Liverpool transfer and one other probability is wasted. It began with Gravenberch turning and carrying the ball by means of midfield. Gakpo may have taken the shot on from simply exterior the world, however performed a cute move to Ekitike who flicked the ball into Wirtz’s move. He tried to move the ball into the online along with his left foot, it was on the right track, however Guehi caught a leg out to deflect it behind. Metropolis survive two corners.
05:52pm
64 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
That will have been fairly the way in which to take the lead at Anfield: Ruben Dias with a left-footed strike from 25 yards that swerves not far broad of the put up.
05:51pm
63 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Konate lumps a ball ahead straight to Donnarumma when there was time to get the ball down. Promising transfer down the Metropolis left by means of O’Reilly however Konate and Van Dijk did effectively to step up and play Semenyo offside.
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Liverpool’s formation is listed as 4-2-3-1 on the BBC web site, nevertheless it seems very diamond-y when checked out from a top. That is the system that Arne Slot devised in opposition to Inter Milan earlier within the season and his gamers’ attributes are suited to it. Mohamed Salah doesn’t need to defend as a lot as a large striker partnership Hugo Ekitike. Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz are slim.
05:49pm
60 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
That collision with Donnarumma means Khusanov’s race is run. He desires to hold on, however the Man Metropolis medical doctors and physios insist that he comes off, so this can be a concussion sub. Ruben Dias replaces him. The opposite change for Metropolis is Cherki on Marmoush.
05:46pm
58 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Liverpool with one other harmful second; Mac Allister chesting a Kerkez cross down for Gakpo, and Donnarumma collides with Khusanov because the shot flies over the bar. The flag was up for offside in any case, and Khusanov requires some therapy.
05:45pm
56 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Nice couple of minutes of soccer. Semenyo may have handed to Haaland, however drilled a shot straight at Alisson. The Liverpool goalkeeper then sprung a 4v3 in Liverpool’s favour on the break. It seemed like the possibility was receding, however Salah dug out a beautiful cross with the surface of his left foot and Ektike was alone six or seven yards for purpose. Simply wanted to hit the goal however headed broad.
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Is that this why these two groups are behind Arsenal this season. Some poor decision-making there. Firstly, Antoine Semenyo ought to have teed up Erling Haaland as a substitute of taking pictures. Then Hugo Ekitike had Florian Wirtz by means of on purpose however seemed the opposite method as a substitute.
05:43pm
54 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
For the primary time within the sport, it seems like Liverpool have the wind of their sails. Shades of the second half at Spurs final week with Metropolis being pushed again and requested to defend their field. Pretty cross from Wirtz to Ekitike on the again put up, however Donnarumma rushed off his line to get a telling contact on the supply. Would have been a free header for the striker.
05:41pm
52 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Ait-Nouri with a scruffy clearance to the sting of the field, a rasping hit from Szoboszlai is straight at Donnarumma.
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Liverpool then threaten once more after Van Dijk wins a header in opposition to Haaland. Salah wriggled the fallacious aspect of Rodri, Wirtz was concerned, and the ball ran for Ekitike on the far aspect of the world. He went for the roller into the highest nook along with his proper foot, simply broad.
05:38pm
50 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Unusual piece of refereeing there. O’Reilly was holding the arm of Gravenberch and Craig Pawson was initially unmoved, however after the Liverpool bench went spare he blew his whistle for the foul. No yellow card for the Metropolis man.
05:37pm
48 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
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There was an Arsenal vibe to the half-time pies within the press room. Gilberto Silva and Freddie Ljungberg had been in there, deep in dialog. Title winners of their day – will the present group be champions this season? They are going to transfer a step nearer if Metropolis don’t discover a win within the subsequent 45 minutes.
05:35pm
47 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Higher from Liverpool right away with Ekitike feeding Gakpo within the penalty space. His preliminary effort deflected into the trail of Salah, and his shot was then blocked.
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Hazard on the different finish for Liverpool with Alisson stranded exterior his penalty space, however Marmoush backed out of the problem when there was an opportunity to nick the ball past the goalkeeper.
Yellow card Van Dijk for a problem on Haaland from behind.
Liverpool’s Alisson Becker will get away with one – Reuters/Phil Noble
05:33pm
We’re again below method!
Liverpool get the second half began, hoping this shall be a sport of two halves.
05:32pm
No modifications from both supervisor at half-time
Metropolis have a far stronger bench with Liverpool struggling harm issues. Reijnders, Cherki and Foden and three nice choices to have as the sport opens up.
05:29pm
Metropolis with 10 pictures to Liverpool’s three
05:19pm
HT: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
That is among the finest halves of soccer Metropolis have performed at Anfield below Guardiola. They’ve managed possession, quashed Liverpool’s counter-attacks, and carried a menace all through. Erling Haaland had the sport’s finest probability, which presumably got here too early for him inside two minutes. Liverpool struggling in all departments actually, speeding issues after they do get into Metropolis’s half, however the constructive for Slot isn’t any injury has been completed on the scoreboard.
05:15pm
45 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Simply the 2 minutes of stoppage time on the finish of a really watchable half of soccer.
05:13pm
43 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
From the Liverpool free-kick, there are appeals for a penalty for a Bernardo pull on the shoulder of Salah because the ahead tried to latch on to Van Dijk’s header. There was not fairly sufficient contact, and VAR confirms the referee’s resolution of no penalty.
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There’s a concept at Metropolis that Pep Guardiola is sort of superstitious relating to selecting Nico O’Reilly. Whether or not or not that’s the case, O’Reilly has an unbelievable document this season. If he begins a Premier League sport, Metropolis don’t lose. The one time he has been on the shedding aspect was the Bodo-Glimt defeat.
05:12pm
41 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Metropolis’s counter-pressing has been wonderful on this sport, as quickly as they lose the ball within the Liverpool half they’re profitable it again inside a couple of seconds. Liverpool too lose on the ball, particularly the forwards. The transfer ends with Marmoush taking pictures over from distance, earlier than the ahead is booked for bringing down Gravenberch on the break.
05:10pm
39 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Good move from Rodri to seek out Bernardo in acres of house between Liverpool’s midfield and again 4 and from there the house group had been scrambling. Szoboszlai does ever so effectively to cowl throughout from right-back and get a foot in in opposition to Haaland. Metropolis preserve the stress on an win a nook… flicked on by Haaland on the close to put up, however headed clear by Konate.
05:07pm
37 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
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Thomas Tuchel is right here too at Anfield. There aren’t any Liverpool beginning gamers in his World Cup plans (as none are English) however Curtis Jones is on the bench. Tuchel may have preferred what he has seen from Guehi within the first half and Nico O’Reilly has proven he can function in central midfield. O’Reilly’s two England caps have been at full-back.
05:06pm
36 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
O’Reilly penalised for a foul on Gravenberch in midfield, however then the flag goes up for offside in opposition to Ekitike. I’d second Mike’s feedback on Guehi. Metropolis’s January signing has settled into this sport rather well. To this point he seems the perfect centre-back on the pitch.
05:03pm
33 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Wirtz beginning to choose up some threatening positions for Liverpool, however the house group’s regular enchancment is halted by Alisson dallying on the ball and passes it past Van Dijk straight out for a throw. A Haaland snap shot is straight on the Liverpool goalkeeper.
05:01pm
31 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Promising assault from Liverpool ends with Gakpo and Kerkez getting in one another’s method which allows Bernardo to hold the ball ahead. Neat soccer from Metropolis with Rodri concerned, however Semenyo’s by means of ball is intercepted.
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Nice move ahead from Wirtz to Ekitike, however Guehi defends beautifully in opposition to him. Stayed on his toes, didn’t enable him to cut inside, and blocked the shot.
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Rodri is getting extra management on this sport. The Ballon D’or winner is intercepting and setting the tempo for Manchester Metropolis after a frantic begin of the sport. Will likely be fascinating whether or not they may have the identical management within the second half. They’ve been poor after the interval lately, notably at Spurs final week.
This has been a giant half hour for Marc Guehi. The jeers usually are not bothering him as he has come off higher in duels with Hugo Ekitike and Mohamed Salah.
04:58pm
28 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Industrious from Gakpo to win an affordable nook out of Metropolis. Commanding goalkeeping from Donnarumma within the first occasion to punch the supply away, however the massive goalkeeper comes for the follow-up cross and will solely palm the ball on to Salah. The Liverpool man, from a really tight angle, helped the ball on first time in direction of purpose nevertheless it landed on the roof of the online. May have taken a contact.
Gianluigi Donnarumma punches clear – Michael Regan/Getty Photos
04:56pm
26 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Liverpool’s finest second by far: Mac Allister zips a move between sky blue shirts for Salah on the fringe of the field, however the ball bounced up on him and Guehi partially blocked the shot. Liverpool nook, and so they preserve the second ball alive earlier than Szoboszlai’s stray move out for a Metropolis throw. It might have taken a nick off Semenyo.
04:55pm
24 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Ekitike wins Liverpool a free-kick in midfield, which provides the house group an opportunity to take pleasure in some possession. They’ve spent the final 10 minutes or so defending in their very own half. A chant of “champions, champions!” goes up round Anfield.
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However as Liverpool attempt to play out from deep, Szoboszlai offers the ball away in opposition to the Metropolis press. Bernardo flashes a ball throughout purpose simply in entrance of Haaland, earlier than Kerkez blocks Semenyo’s cross on the expense of a nook. Ekitike heads clear.
Metropolis proceed to knock on the door because the rain begins to fall at Anfield.
04:52pm
22 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
One other clear opening created by Metropolis with Ait-Nouri getting the the byline and pulling the ball again to Haaland. He units it for Marmoush who shoots on the swivel, however his effort took a deflection off Gravenberch and behind. Guehi’s header is straight at Alisson and tame.
04:50pm
21 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
I believe a major proportion of Liverpool followers shall be watching this and calling for Curtis Jones, as a result of they’re second finest in the meanwhile and struggling to carry Metropolis at bay. The away group have received one other harmful set-piece, however Bernardo’s ship was not threatening. The Metropolis midfielder stayed switched on although to snuff out the hazard when the ball was cleared in direction of Salah.
04:48pm
18 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Metropolis’s first nook of the sport causes all types of issues, with Marmoush delivering an inswinger from the left. Guehi had the run on the Liverpool defenders, however Szoboszlai did ever so effectively to win the primary contact and residential group clear their traces.
04:46pm
16 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Semenyo will get the higher of his former Bournemouth team-mate Kerkez, however Alisson gathered his low cross. Guehi then confirmed his composure and authority to carry off Salah who was chasing a protracted ball. Marmoush then goes down contained in the field hoping for a penalty in opposition to Konate, however nothing doing. Liverpool don’t look secure although.
04:44pm
13 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Gravenberch drags down O’Reilly in midfield and could be very lucky to keep away from a yellow card. Then Metropolis’s high-wire act taking part in out from the again nearly prices them, however Rodri squeezed a move past Wirtz and so they evaded the stress. A Rodri shot then deflects off his personal man and behind for a Liverpool purpose kick.
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Marc Guehi getting booed by Liverpool followers right here, which is slightly bit harsh. He was prepared be a part of them and began his medical earlier than Crystal Palace pulled the plug on a deal in the summertime.
04:42pm
11 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Donnarumma punches clear a Liverpool free-kick, earlier than Kerkez does effectively to cope with a bouncing ball with Marmoush lurking behind him and able to pounce.
Marmoush within the thick of the motion once more, with Haaland taking part in him in behind the Liverpool defence. The Egyptian dragged a shot broad of the put up with solely Alisson to beat, however the flag was up for offside. Accurately.
However Metropolis shall be happy with this begin, they give the impression of being to have the beating of this Liverpool again 4.
04:39pm
9 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
This time Marmoush does win a free-kick, Konate pulls him again round 35 yards from purpose. Too far out to shoot, so Bernardo clips the ball into the field however Khusanov couldn’t recover from his header and it glances into the Kop.
04:38pm
7 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Metropolis are dedicated to drawing the Liverpool press by taking part in brief passes throughout their defence in build-up, at the least till Marmoush or Haaland are one-on-one with Konate or Van Dijk after which they clip it lengthy. Marmoush believes he ought to have had a free-kick for a Konate foul.
04:35pm
5 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
The primary 20 minutes of a sport at Anfield are usually troublesome for Metropolis or any visiting group, in order that early Haaland probability ought to settle them down.
Then Khusanov is caught in possession by Ekitike on the sting of his field, and the ball flashes throughout the Metropolis space.
Metropolis get out, and break down the opposite finish. Van Dijk’s clearance is poor, Metropolis choose up the seconds and Semenyo blasts over from distance.
Huge open begin at Anfield.
04:33pm
2 minutes: Liverpool 0 Man Metropolis 0
Liverpool with some early territory after Ekitike closes down Khusanov, however then Metropolis clear by means of Guehi. Konate defends the lengthy ball effectively below some stress from Marmoush.
Massive probability for Metropolis! Mac Allister and Wirtz went for a similar ball in midfield, and it broke free for Bernardo Silva. He poked a by means of ball into the trail of Haaland, however Alisson made a smothering save after which Kerkez caught to his job to ensure Haaland couldn’t convert the rebound.
Erling Haaland went near an early purpose – Reuters/Phil Noble
04:30pm
KICK OFF!
Metropolis get the sport began at Anfield, with Donnarumma kicking lengthy and to the correct flank.
04:27pm
The groups are on their method out at Anfield
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Ronald Koeman is within the crowd right here at Anfield, keeping track of Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo, whereas Tijjani Reijnders is on the bench for Metropolis. He’s subsequent to Nigel De Jong, the technical director of the Dutch FA and a Premier League winner with Metropolis in 2012. He was on the pitch when Sergio Aguero scored his title-clinching purpose in opposition to QPR. Behind De Jong is Thomas Tuchel.
Thomas Tuchel watches on at Anfield – Peter Byrne/PA
04:20pm
Szoboszlai: Metropolis have loopy wingers
It is very important see the true Liverpool. We wish to do the identical we did final season. We’re on it to do it immediately.
We had steps ahead and setbacks as effectively. I believe all people takes it very severely. It’s a massive sport and we have to do our job. Combat for one another.
I play there as a result of I’ve to however I’ll attempt to do my finest. They’ve loopy wingers so I’ve to watch out.
04:17pm
Guardiola reminds Liverpool of his six league titles
As at all times, be ourselves, attempt to be near who we’re.
On this stadium at all times, now we have to be ourselves and the character needs to be proven.
To do it each three days is a giant job, that’s the reason these two golf equipment have been so robust within the Premier League… 6-2 (on league titles) and have dominated this competitors.
04:13pm
Slot on the respective strengths of each groups
We’ve got made plenty of steps ahead primarily off the ball, primarily with gamers higher in a position to play this schedule we’re taking part in. So many occasions this season it’s the similar ones having to play however the largest enchancment I see is gamers are extra prepared for the mixture of the Premier League and Champions League on the depth we’d like.
We’ve got each [Liverpool and City] proven we’re good in ball possession and might create probabilities. Each groups need the ball as a lot as attainable and each have proven from a excessive press they’re a menace as effectively. An excellent and correct counter assault will be harmful at each ends as effectively.
He’s one [Florian Wirtz] that has improved massively along with his work charge off the ball which is so very important within the Premier League. You want to be excellent in each division.
04:08pm
Slot talking pre-match
I believe there may be plenty of motivation for immediately: initially as a result of we play in entrance of our personal followers, second of all as a result of we’d like the factors and third of all as a result of we had been utterly outplayed within the first 45 minutes [at the Etihad]. Not for the one time we had been unfortunate with a referee resolution however they had been the higher group.
04:04pm
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03:40pm
Pep Lijnders again at Anfield
Lijnders was Klopp’s assistant at Anfield – Peter Byrne/PA
03:22pm
Assessing the group information
Not an excessive amount of to analyse concerning Liverpool’s group. Slot may have introduced in Jones for Gakpo to stiffen up midfield, however he goes with the identical XI that put Newcastle to the sword. Szoboszlai stays at right-back as a result of there isn’t any different alternative. There may be a lot menace in that entrance 4.
Guardiola selecting Marmoush over Cherki suggests he sees this as a counter-attacking task, and needs to hit Liverpool with three hard-running forwards. Bernardo is handed match to start out, with Nico O’Reilly in midfield with Rodri.
03:18pm
Liverpool group information: Slot sticks with entrance 4 in unchanged XI
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Liverpool, unsurprisingly, are unchanged from the group that defeated Newcastle final weekend. They’ve had eight days to organize for this conflict, whereas Metropolis performed in midweek. It means Dominik Szoboszlai begins as an inverted full-back. Mohamed Salah begins on the correct flank.
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Szoboszlai, Konate, van Dijk, Kerkez, Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Salah, Wirtz, Gakpo, Ekitike
Subs: Mamardashvili, Woodman, Endo, Chiesa, Jones, Robertson, Nyoni, Ramsay, Ngumoha
03:16pm
Man Metropolis group information: Marmoush most popular to Cherki, Dias and Foden on bench
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Pep Guardiola has introduced again his first-team gamers after switching his group up for the League Cup semi-final in midweek. Erling Haaland is again for Manchester Metropolis, whereas Marc Guehi returns after he was ineligible in opposition to Newcastle. Rodri returns for Nico Gonzalez and Bernardo Silva is handed match after heading into the sport as a serious health doubt.
Man Metropolis XI: Donnarumma, Matheus Luiz, Khusanov, Guehi, Ait Nouri, Silva, Rodri, O’Reilly, Semenyo, Haaland, Marmoush
Subs: Trafford, Dias, Reijnders, Ake, Cherki, Gonzalez, Foden, Alleyne, Lewis
03:14pm
Guardiola’s final sport at Anfield?
The temper music suggests we may very well be watching the Guardiola farewell tour, and that we should always take pleasure in watching “the best soccer coach of all time” on these shores whereas we nonetheless can.
Some managers are legends as a result of they win. Others go away their mark as a result of they alter and elevate the sport.
Guardiola ticks all of the containers, profitable trophies in such a style that his legacy extends method past the golf equipment he has managed.
The a number of titles Guardiola received at Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester Metropolis are only one side of his profession. His broader impression separates him from others.
03:10pm
Jason Burt: Meet the person who is aware of precisely how Guardiola and Klopp tick
In fact, that toxicity by no means touched the technical areas. At board stage, membership stage, between the followers, sure. However the heat felt between Klopp and Guardiola – and the mutual admiration – was and stays real. It’s why, as Lijnders confirmed, that not solely did he search Klopp’s approval earlier than taking the function however Guardiola additionally sought out his outdated adversary.
03:05pm
Pessimism surrounds Man Metropolis for Anfield go to
Manchester Metropolis haven’t received a Premier League sport at Anfield in entrance of followers since Pep Guardiola’s appointment in 2016, however within the eyes of many they should change that document immediately to maintain the title race alive.
Arsenal’s victory over Sunderland yesterday leaves Metropolis staring on the prospect of ending the weekend 9 factors adrift. In a Premier League the place gimme fixtures are scarce, and with 13 video games to go, it could in all probability be untimely to declare it completed and dusted however Metropolis’s probabilities can be distant.
Metropolis’s type is simply as worrying because the factors deficit to Arsenal. They’ve received simply one among their final six league video games, fading badly in second halves and conceding leads, with two factors thrown away at Spurs final Sunday.
Pep Guardiola may welcome again Ruben Dias so as to add some ballast to his defence, however it could be a threat to return from harm in a sport of this magnitude.
There may be a lot driving on the sport for Liverpool too, who watched Chelsea and Manchester United win yesterday within the race for Champions League soccer.
Arne Slot’s group have scored 15 objectives of their final 4 video games in all competitions, with Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz starting to strike up a fruitful partnership.
Dominik Szoboszlai will deputise at right-back, one thing Metropolis may look to use with Antoine Semenyo. The important thing choice resolution for Slot is whether or not to convey Curtis Jones into a real midfield three, or stick to a 4-2-3-1 form with a entrance 4 of Mohamed Salah, Ekitike, Wirtz and Cody Gakpo to tear right into a susceptible Metropolis defence.
Targets have been briefly provide for Erling Haaland of late, and there have been strategies that Metropolis ought to begin him on the bench for this one. Absolutely not?
Full group information on the way in which shortly.