Man City vs Liverpool: Five famous games between Pep Guardiola’s champions and Jurgen Klopp’s challengers
The two teams go head to head again this weekend
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool meet on Sunday in a huge clash at the top of the Premier League.
Under respective managers Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, the two clubs have been the preeminent forces in English football in recent years.
Here, we look at some notable clashes between the sides in the current era.
Man City 1 Liverpool 1 (March 19, 2017)
This was a clash between third and fourth at the time but a indicator of high-intensity top-of-the-table battles to come as both sides played their part in a thrilling draw. Former City midfielder James Milner scored from the penalty spot for Liverpool after 51 minutes, but Sergio Aguero levelled. Yet that was far from the full story with both sides missing gilt-edged opportunities, including Aguero fluffing another chance and later volleying over. Kevin De Bruyne also hit a post for City while, at the other end, Adam Lallana failed to tap into an empty net. Both teams also felt they were unlucky with some refereeing decisions in a frantic encounter.
Liverpool 4 Man City 3 (January 14, 2018)
Liverpool hit City with three goals in a ferocious eight-minute spell as they edged a pulsating clash that ignited the modern rivalry between the clubs. City had been flying at the time and were well on course for the title, but the Reds served warning they would soon be a force to be reckoned with. Leroy Sane cancelled out Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s early strike, but Liverpool took control as Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah netted in a whirlwind spell in the second half. Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan replied late on, but Liverpool held on.
Man City 2 Liverpool 1 (January 3, 2019)
After Liverpool also knocked City out of the Champions League in 2018, by the following season they were genuine title rivals. Klopp’s side had a firm advantage heading into the new year and could have gone 10 points clear at the top had they won at the Etihad. Yet, when the chips were down, Pep Guardiola’s men responded. Aguero and Sane scored either side of a Firmino equaliser on a night of tension at the Etihad, where the real moment of drama was a remarkable goal-line clearance by John Stones after Mane hit a post. Technology later showed the ball had failed to cross the line by just 1.12cm. On such fine margins titles can be decided and City eventually won the race by a point.
Liverpool 3 Man City 1 (November 10, 2019)
After their near miss the previous year, 2019-20 saw Liverpool finally reclaim the title after a 30-year wait. The Anfield side started the season strongly and hardly looked back. Their home victory over City was a real statement of intent and put them eight points clear after just eight games. Fabinho put them ahead with stunning strike after just six minutes and Salah doubled their lead from a swift counter-attack soon after, with Mane later adding a third. City rallied with Bernardo Silva pulling one back and Guardiola raged after a penalty appeal was turned down, but Liverpool held on.
Man City 1 Liverpool 1 (November 8, 2020)
Both sides settled for a point from another compelling encounter, played behind closed doors due to the coronavirus pandemic. Salah put Liverpool ahead from the penalty spot, but City replied through Gabriel Jesus. City were then awarded a controversial penalty for handball against Joe Gomez following a lengthy VAR review, but De Bruyne shot wide from the spot. Both sides had further chances to win it, with Jesus missing the best of them when he headed wide.