Guardiola’s facet lead each metric however not the rating
Liverpool survive first-half strain as Guardiola’s males take management
Liverpool and Manchester Metropolis went in at 0-0 at Anfield on Sunday 8 February 2026 after Metropolis managed most of first half.
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First-half: Metropolis on the entrance foot, Liverpool hanging on
Manchester Metropolis set the tone early with fast switches and slender attacking runs spending lengthy spells round Liverpool’s field.
Liverpool struggled to settle however they stayed alive due to key blocks and a robust begin from Alisson.
Metropolis’s greatest moments got here from sustained strain fairly than one large break. Bernardo Silva repeatedly discovered pockets to drive ahead and Metropolis pressured Liverpool into hurried clearances as crosses and cut-backs stored arriving.
Liverpool’s clearest openings got here by means of Mohamed Salah however his ending didn’t match the conditions.
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One probability got here after unfastened second from Gianluigi Donnarumma on cross however Salah lifted the ball over from a decent angle.
A separate assault noticed Marc Guéhi step in to disclaim Salah earlier than he may get clear shot away.
First-half stats
Opta-powered reside knowledge confirmed clear Metropolis edge on the break:
Possession: Liverpool 39% — Man Metropolis 61%
Photographs: Liverpool 3 — Man Metropolis 10
Anticipated targets (xG): Liverpool 0.14 — Man Metropolis 1.17
Huge possibilities: Liverpool 0 — Man Metropolis 1
Key possibilities & moments that formed the half
Early warning for Liverpool: Metropolis created a gap for Erling Haaland that ended with Alisson smothering the hazard, setting the tone for Liverpool’s defensive job.
Metropolis’s near-miss from vary: Semenyo’s effort was blocked after slick transfer that pulled Liverpool’s form aside.
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Marmoush off beam: After Haaland laid the ball into his path, Omar Marmoush shot broad from promising space.
Liverpool’s greatest route: Mac Allister’s move into Salah created area however the probability pale as Metropolis recovered shortly.
Controversial moments and self-discipline
The primary half included at the very least one large enchantment: Marmoush went down underneath strain from Ibrahima Konaté contained in the Liverpool space however the referee waved play on.
Marmoush additionally picked up yellow card within the 42 minute