Liverpool secured a crucial point against Manchester City after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the defending champions at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
The Reds showcased their resilience, bouncing back from a deficit when Erling Haaland handed the hosts the lead in the first half. However, with just 10 minutes remaining, Trent Alexander-Arnold unleashed a remarkable low strike from 20 yards, finding the far corner of the net, thereby ensuring both sides shared the spoils.
This result leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side trailing Manchester City by only a single point and two points behind leaders Arsenal after 13 matches played so far.
In an insightful analysis, Damon Carr (@da9mo) dissects Liverpool’s overall performance and specifically examines the exceptional form displayed by Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Sum up Liverpool’s performance at Etihad Stadium against the defending champions Man City.
Damon Carr: The performance wasn’t great but to get a result at the Etihad is huge, even more so when we didn’t play great. Klopp went with the wrong team at the start and it showed. As soon as changes were made, the performance improved and the confidence grew. I have to point out that Tsimikas deserves the flowers after recent criticism. He was the standout. Most of the season, results have glossed over performance. Sign of champions? May well be.
A good result for the Reds given it was played out on City’s turf?
Damon Carr: This is the first time City have dropped points at home this calendar year. Liverpool create records and break records. City will feel it’s 2 points dropped. We’ve gotta use this result to push us now. Performances will improve I’m sure. The title race is on!
There have been calls from fans, pundits, and ex-players including Jamie Carragher who recommends Liverpool buy another right-back to move Trent Alexander-Arnold into midfield. Do you share the same sentiment?
Damon Carr: Trent. The star boy! What else can I say? Continues to prove doubters wrong. Yes, he had time’s defensively questionable, however, the way Doku is playing right now, I believe he takes most players on. I believe over time he will improve defensively, which I think he ain’t as bad as rivals make him out to be anyway. Neville said he can be the best right-back ever, which at the moment, is Cafu and Dani Alves, and I can’t disagree with Neville. Improve his whole round game slightly with ever more better players around him, he’ll take over. Trent is already a Liverpool legend at such a young age. The lad has everything to be a legend of the game.
Any changes you would like to make on Thursday night in the Europa League against LASK?
Damon Carr: I would make several changes for LASK. We shouldn’t underestimate them but we need to keep players fresh, what making sure we win this group as early as possible. I’d give Chambers and Quansah a run out. I’d also give Mac a rest with all the football he has played, especially out of position. I’d like the see Gravenberch start for good now in the Prem but would start him Thursday alongside Endo and Elliot. Obviously, Trent will be rested, so I expect Gomez at right-back. Up top? Gakpo, Jota and Doak for me. I want Diaz to start prem games and wouldn’t wanna waste his energy on Thursday. No matter what team we put out Thursday, we should be winning and topping the group with a game to go. Let’s go win this squad.
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