The distance from Manchester City to the leader of English Championship dropped to five points this Saturday morning, when the team defeated Liverpool by 4 to 1. In the opening of the 29th round, at the Etihad Stadium, the hosts were behind, but managed to turn around with goals from Julián Álvarez, Kevin De Bruyne, Ilkay Gundogan and Jack Grealish. Mohamed Salah scored for the visitors.
Despite approaching the Arsenal, the gap could be eight points again, as the leaders have yet to play in this round. Manchester City, now with 64 points, is back on the pitch next Saturday, when they face Southampton away from home.
Liverpool, who lost for the second consecutive time, squandered the opportunity to get closer to the qualifying zone for the Europa League. The team followed in sixth place, with 42 points. In the next round, the Reds will face the Chelseaon Tuesday, at Stamford Bridge.
FULL-TIME | It’s good to be back! 🙌
🔵 4-1 🔴 #ManCity pic.twitter.com/L742pgPegf
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 1, 2023
The goals of the game
Liverpool opened the scoring in the 16th minute of the first half. Alexander-Arnold gave a beautiful launch to Diogo Jota, who dominated free of charge and charged to the entrance of the Manchester City area. The attacker was reached by the defense, but managed to shore up for Salah’s arrival. The number 11 arrived hitting very hard to swing the nets.
The visitors’ lead only lasted 10 minutes. At 26′, Grealish crossed low for Julián Álvarez to complete for the goal. The score remained level until 45, when Álvarez reversed the game with a long throw to Mahrez. From the right, the Algerian played for De Bruyne to finish from the middle of the area.
On the way back from the break, Manchester City scored again. At the 7th minute, Julián Álvarez received it at the edge of the area, adjusted it and tried to finish. Halfway through, Alexander-Arnold blocked the goal with his foot, but he rebounded to Gundogan. Very calmly, the defensive midfielder dominated and hit the left corner, with no chances for Alisson, 3 to 1.
Despite the advantage, the hosts did not stop attacking and, at 38 minutes, reached the goal once again. Grealish paired with De Bruyne at right-back. The attacker received it inside the area and finished low in the right corner. Alisson touched the ball, but was unable to stop Manchester City’s fourth goal.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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