Arne Slot would have understandably been delighted after Liverpool’s 2-0 win against Manchester City.
But in fairness to Pep Guardiola’s men, they did not make life easy for the Reds whatsoever.
In fact, on the balance of play, it could be argued that Manchester City were the better side on the day.
However, a Mohamed Salah-inspired Liverpool side were far more clinical in the final third than the hosts as the Egyptian and Dominic Szoboszlai put them to the sword.
The Sky Blues, on the other hand huffed and puffed in the final third.
However, it would have taken a miracle for Manchester City to oust Liverpool in any case.
Arne Slot says almost no team in the world can dominate possession vs Man City – including Liverpool
On Sunday, Manchester City did have 66.10 per cent of the ball against Liverpool (33.9%).
As Erling Haaland looked gutted as Liverpool beat Manchester City, the Norwegian’s teammates must have felt the same about his injury-enforced absence that meant they were not as ruthless in the final third.
But after the contest, Arne Slot gave Manchester City the credit they deserve by admitting that virtually no team in the world can dominate the ball against them, including his Liverpool juggernaut.
Slot said via HaytersTV: “When you play away from home against a Pep [Guardiola] team, it’s almost impossible to have more ball possession than his team has, so we knew we had to defend really well.”
“Nobody in the world of football would’ve expected City not to be so close to the one that leads the league if they’re not leading the league. But we all know why; they had many injuries, a difficult period. But again today you could see how good they are as a team and how difficult they are to play against.”
Pep Guardiola will appreciate Arne Slot’s kind words and be encouraged by Manchester City’s spirited display.
Why Pep Guardiola will be annoyed after Manchester City vs Liverpool
However, Guardiola will also have reasons to be frustrated.
After all, for all of Manchester City’s dominance of the ball, they mustered up an xG (Expected Goals) of just 0.63 and created no big chances despite having five shots on target.
| MAN CITY ATTACKING STATS VS LIVERPOOL | |
| XG | 0.63 |
| BIG CHANCES CREATED | 0 |
| SHOTS ON TARGET | 5 |
The likes of Jeremy Doku and Savinho were often in dangerous positions to cause Liverpool’s defence nightmares.
But the final ball was far from accurate on the day from Manchester City’s attackers.
However, all in all, City’s latest showing gives them encouragement ahead of their trip to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur.
The game is a must-win for Manchester City where they will have to be much more threatening in the final third.
