The defeat felt stark. Liverpool, once a force, were dismantled 3-0 by Manchester City, a result that ignited debate and exposed vulnerabilities within Jürgen Klopp’s squad. The performance wasn’t simply a loss; it was a dissection of tactical shortcomings, particularly concerning the isolation of young Conor Bradley.
Wayne Rooney didn’t hesitate to pinpoint the issue. He argued that Mohamed Salah, a player renowned for his attacking prowess, failed to provide crucial defensive support, leaving Bradley exposed against City’s relentless attacks. It wasn’t a question of effort, but of tactical awareness – a star player needing to contribute to the collective struggle in pivotal moments.
The problem wasn’t solely Salah’s lack of tracking back. Ryan Gravenberch attempted to cover the space, but that created new gaps elsewhere, a cascading effect of defensive imbalance. Rooney emphasized a fundamental principle: in big games, doubling up on dangerous opponents is not optional, it’s essential for survival.
Adding fuel to the fire, a controversial offside call denied Liverpool a potential equalizer. Virgil van Dijk’s header, a powerful and well-placed effort, was ruled out after a linesman’s flag and subsequent VAR review deemed Andy Robertson offside and interfering with play. The decision sparked immediate outrage.
Rooney vehemently disagreed with the call. He argued that goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma had a clear view of the ball and was already diving before Robertson even entered the frame. The defender’s position, according to Rooney, had no impact on the save, and the goal should have rightfully stood, shifting the momentum of the match.
Beyond the immediate result, the game sent ripples through the title race. Pep Guardiola’s side, celebrating his 1000th game in charge, showcased a dominant performance, closing the gap on league leaders Arsenal. The victory wasn’t just about three points; it was a statement of intent.
City’s wingers, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki, were particularly menacing, mirroring the impact of past stars like Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling. Doku, in particular, tormented Bradley with his electrifying dribbling and increasingly effective end product, proving a constant threat.
The match also highlighted a potential future star for England. Nico O’Reilly, tasked with containing Mohamed Salah, delivered a composed and resolute performance, showcasing the poise and technical ability demanded by Pep Guardiola’s system. He seized a crucial opportunity to impress.
However, the spotlight wasn’t all positive for Liverpool’s summer signings. Wirtz, a headline acquisition, struggled to impose himself on the game, appearing lightweight and indecisive. His lack of involvement raised serious questions about his role and suitability within Arne Slot’s tactical framework.
Rooney concluded with a chilling assessment for Arsenal. He believes City’s recent form is a cause for concern, recalling past instances where the Gunners faltered under pressure. With City relentlessly pursuing them, Rooney predicts a growing sense of anxiety within Mikel Arteta’s squad, a familiar feeling for those who have seen leads slip away before.
