Tactical Battle Between Liverpool and Man City.

This was the long waited match as football fans around the globe knew these teams are Premier League giants.


                     Image: NDTV Sports.

As usual, both teams lined up in their normal 4-3-3 formation with different approaches. I will not talk about the penalty claims. I'll analyse the match tactically.

Here are the reasons why Liverpool won the match:

1. Liverpool's wingbacks.
 Robertson's cross led to Mohammed Salah to score the second goal. Source: Skysports.

 The Liverpool wingbacks (Alexander Arnold and Robertson) are vital part in Jurgen Klopp's attacking philosophy. Last season, both wingbacks were leaders on the Liverpool's assists board. Klopp likes his full-backs to whip crosses in the box. And it happened yesterday. Robertson crossed the ball for Mohammed Salah who headed home the second goal.

2. Defensive Organisation.

Liverpool stood firm to defend their third very well. This was evident from the corners City got but their defence was equal to the task. Another excellent work done by Klopp's defence was defending set-piece. Most of the time Man City were offside or Van Dijk and his colleagues made a clearance. This made Liverpool withstand attacks from Pep Guardiola's men.

3. Suppremacy on Second Balls.

 Fabinho's long range drive opener. Source: NDTV Sports.
From Fabinho's range drive, tactically, we can say that Liverpool are good when it comes to second balls. This was after poor effort clearance from Ikay Gundogan. The cross was for Mohamed Salah but he was intercepted by Angelino. Gundogan's clearance went straight to Fabinho who shot a long drive from outside the box to give the hosts an early opener. Man City's clearance was poor from the start of the game and at times put them under pressure.

Overloads on the wings.

 Sadio Mane and Robertson patnered on the left flank while Salah and Arnold were on the right. This tactic facilitated a 2V1 situation on the wings. Source: The Telegraph

Tactically, Jurgen Klopp likes his men to have numerical advantage on the flanks. We saw this when Angelino was battling with Mohammed Salah and Arnold came in to help create a 2V1 on the right wing. The same same was happening on the left wing and this led to Walker and Stones get involved in exchanging of words.

Conclusion:

It was a fascinating match to watch and a great IQ test for both managers. Although Liverpool emerged with the victory, still we cannot underrate Manchester City. Last season, Liverpool led Man City with eight points and eventually Pep's men won the league. The race is wide open now and in fact it's only November. Can Liverpool win the Premier League title this season? Comment below and let me know.

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