5 takeaways from Man City vs. Liverpool: Why Klopp’s strategies and substitutions work

With a hard-earned and well-deserved point that suggests they may be heading for the title, Liverpool denied Man City their 24th straight home victory at the Etihad Stadium.

Premier League (13), Man City 1-1 Liverpool, Etihad Stadium, November 25, 2023

Goals: Haaland 27′; Alexander-Arnold 80′

Liverpool emerged victorious from the tie.
The greatest way to sum up what happened before this game was when Jurgen Klopp made the observation that you can play well against Manchester City and still lose.

And as Liverpool entered the final ten minutes of regular time here still behind Erling Haaland’s opening goal, it appeared as though they might be doomed to that outcome.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Saturday, November 25, 2023: At the City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester City FC and Liverpool FC play in the FA Premier League. Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool scores the first goal to equalise. (Image via Propaganda/David Rawcliffe)

Thankfully, the visitors have gained a point that their performance fully deserved thanks to Trent Alexander-Arnold’s spectacular finish and the resiliency that followed.

Without a doubt, this was a close match between two elite clubs, and because it took place on City’s pitch, the draw is even more significant for the Reds.

It is true that they will need to defeat Pep Guardiola’s team at Anfield in the rematch if they want to really capitalise on this performance in any championship contest.

However, that match should be considered much later in the season, so for the remainder of this weekend, Klopp and his team should have a productive afternoon at work.

Goal is frustrating

Naturally, despite Liverpool’s positive feelings regarding the outcome and their performance in this match, there will always be a simmering frustration that is difficult for professionals who hold themselves to such high standards to overcome.

And that has to do with the fact that Manchester City did not deserve to score the first goal in a game that was usually close.

Alisson’s mishandled kick exemplifies the kind of error that can occur while attempting to perform a talent that so many goalkeepers in this division are incapable of.

It is inexcusable, though, that Dominik Szoboszlai and Trent Alexander-Arnold did not assume defensive positions in the aftermath, which allowed Nathan Ake to skip into space and assist.

Even though Virgil van Dijk doesn’t look well when the ball breaks, an uncoordinated back four is inevitable when the ball is lost suddenly.

When Klopp reviews this game with his players, he’s sure to bring up the fact that it is the responsibility of the players in front to protect in certain situations. Szoboszlai and Alexander-Arnold, in particular, will undoubtedly hear it.

Unsung heroes did the job

The two biggest surprises in Klopp’s lineup for this matchup were perhaps the defensive starts of Joel Matip and Kostas Tsimikas.

Despite the fact that fans would have rather seen Joe Gomez or Ibrahima Konate selected in their stead, neither player disappointed at the Etihad.

Matip finished with a match-high five clearances, four blocked shots, and several incredible dribbles that allowed Liverpool to get past the City press.

Additionally, Tsimikas made three clearances, a crucial pass, and was hardly ever harassed down a flank that was regarded as a possible weakness before to the game.

In the most important of games, the manager showed great faith in resorting to two sometimes-maligned squad choices, and he was rewarded with two outstanding performances.

Mac Allister quietly impresses in Six

Though it seems hard to watch a Liverpool game without Alexis Mac Allister’s usage as a No. 6 becoming a talking topic, there’s a good possibility his quiet performance went unnoticed.

You would have thought the finest midfield in the Premier League would have repeatedly walked by the Argentine, given some of the negative connotations surrounding him.

Despite this, he finished the game with a team-high three tackles, two interceptions, two clearances, and the Reds’ top passing accuracy of 93.2%. This was mostly made possible by the midfielders surrounding him keeping things as compact as they should have.

Although Mac Allister may not be a Fabinho-type player—something Klopp may someday go for—he nonetheless deserves recognition for his contributions to matches like this one in which he quietly works to get his team moving.

Subs shine again for Reds

Guardiola’s decision to forgo any substitutes didn’t change the fact that City would undoubtedly go ahead in the closing minutes of this match.

However, Klopp’s own bench made significant and now-familiar telling contributions, which were a major factor in Liverpool’s final hold.

Luis Diaz and Ryan Gravenberch both increased their counterattacking force, and Cody Gakpo added extra aggressiveness when Dominik Szoboszlai was no longer able to sprint.

Wataru Endo and Harvey Elliott’s enthusiasm was also crucial as the Reds tried to hold off their opponents during a protracted injury delay.

This season, this team’s strength has shown time and time again in the closing minutes of games, as demonstrated in what was maybe the hardest away Premier League match of them all.