Man City 2-1 Liverpool: Leroy Sane’s late winner cuts the gap at the top
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Leroy Sane struck the winner as Manchester City beat Liverpool 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in a fierce Premier League contest on Thursday, inflicting the first loss of the season on Juergen Klopp's side and cutting their lead at the top to four points.
Sadio Mane hit the post for Liverpool in the 18th minute and from the resulting scramble, John Stones's attempted clearance bounced off his keeper Ederson and the City defender did superbly to clear off the line with the ball millimetres from going in.
It was City who broke through five minutes before the break when Bernardo Silva found Sergio Aguero inside the box and the Argentine unleashed a fierce drive, from the tightest of angles, to fire past Alisson and make it 1-0.
Liverpool responded strongly after the break, though, and drew level when Andrew Robertson met a deep Trent Alexander-Arnold cross with a cushioned volley for Roberto Firmino to head in from close range.
City were not finished, though, and restored their lead in the 72nd minute when Raheem Sterling broke from midfield and fed Sane on the left, the German winger driving home off the inside of the far post.
Aguero went close to a third after Sterling led a swift counter-attack but Alisson was up to the task while at the other end Ederson produced a fine save to keep out a Mohammed Salah effort.
Alisson did well again to keep out a close-range blast from Bernardo Silva in the final minute of normal time. Reuters
Re-live all the action:
Preview
What time does it start?
Manchester City vs Liverpool kicks off at 8pm (GMT)
Where can I watch it?
The top of the table clash will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event.
We will keep you up to date with all the action via our live blog.
Can I stream it?
Sky subscribers can watch the game online for free via the Sky Go app.
Player to watch…
Mo Salah: This game is full of players to watch with Sadio Mane, Raheem Sterling, Sergio Aguero and Roberto Firmino, to name just a few, all capable of winning games on their own. However, last season’s FSF Men’s Player of the Year winner Mo Salah is possibly the most dangerous.
Liverpool’s blistering speed and attacking style suits Salah to a tee and the Egyptian forward has got 13 goals and seven assists in 20 league appearances so far this season. On his day, he can put any side to the sword.
Form guide…
Manchester City: WLLWLW
Liverpool: WWWWWW
Odds…
Manchester City to win: 26/25
Liverpool to win: 5/2
Draw: 14/5
Prediction…
Manchester City 2-3 Liverpool: With the attacking strength we have on display surely they’ll be goals in this one. The difference is, Liverpool’s defence has proven the most solid in the league so far whereas with City’s back line, questions are still asked. That could well be the deciding factor and Liverpool are going to edge through this one.
Manchester City 1-0 Liverpool
62 minutes
Fernandinho has been everywhere for City. He puts in another strong challenge to win the ball back and the home fans chant his name. Guardiola will certainly be glad to have him back.
Manchester City 1-0 Liverpool
63 minutes
A chance from nowhere for Liverpool, and a warning for City. Kompany can only head a free kick into the path of Firmino. The Brazilian works the ball into a shooting position, but it's blocked by Ederson and City clear.
GOAL! Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool (Firmino)
64 minutes
And just like that, Liverpool are level. Alexander-Arnold switches the ball to Robertson at the back post. The left back puts the ball across goal and Firmino is there to nod into an empty net. Klopp celebrates wildly on the touchline. Liverpool are back in this.
Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
66 minutes
City look to respond immediately. Sterling bursts forward and cuts back for Aguero, who looks to turn and shoot. His touch is heavy, though, and it runs away for a goal kick.
Manchester City 1-1 Liverpool
69 minutes
The momentum has swung in Liverpool's direction now. They're attacking with verve and confidence, causing more problems for City. Prior to the goal, the hosts had looked comfortable. This one could really go either way.
GOAL! Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool (Sane)
72 minutes
Just as Liverpool looked to be getting a foothold in the game, City regain the lead. Sterling turns and runs at the defence, before playing the ball into the path of Sane. The German gets the ball out of his feet and drills his finish across Alisson. It hits the post and nestles in the opposite corner.
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
75 minutes
This is a real test for Liverpool now. They did well to get back level but they need to find something extra in the final fifteen minutes.
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
77 minutes
Liverpool make an attacking change: Shaqiri is on in place of Mane.
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
80 minutes
Sane finds himself with space to run into and picks out Sterling. He breaks into the box, only to be stopped in his track by Robertson.
Manchester City 2-1 Liverpool
82 minutes
Desperate defending by City as Alexander-Arnold puts the ball across goal. Salah looks to latch on to the loose ball but City clear and break at devastating speed. Sterling feeds Aguero, who rounds Alisson and looks set to roll the ball into an empty net. But the goalkeeper recovers well and saves at his feet.
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