Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City: 5 things we learned

English Premier League Match Review:

At first there are come-backs, then there are magnificent comebacks, and then there is Liverpool. From that Istanbul final of 05’ to today’s win against Manchester City in the Premier League, one thing that can be counted out as common is the ‘’Come-back’’ factor. Written off as early as the start of New Year when there was scathing criticism from all sides, Liverpool have responded like a team which we witnessed for the whole of last season.

Here are 5 things we learned from this brute of a fixture: –

Brendan Rodgers is un-predictable

If going into a match against the reigning Premier League Champions was not enough, then getting back from a defeat in a Knockout stage was enough to test the credentials of this man who was regarded as a Genius at this stage of last season. However, as they say that history repeats itself, the Genius tag is getting closer and closer to Mr. Rodgers.

With his decision to keep Daniel Sturridge out, Rodgers once against epitomized his philosophy that has done wonders for the Reds during his tenure. And while many of the Reds’ fans questioned him regarding his decision to keep their darling out, all of them were singing songs of praise for the Northern Irishman at the full-time whistle.

Philippe Coutinho is magnificent

‘’He’s now shooting like a proper Brazilian’’, these were the words of praise by Brendan Rodgers towards the Brazilian. As they say big players rise to the occasion and grab it by the scruff of its neck, Coutinho did just that. While that game required a player that has confidence, courage and a dash of chutzpah, Philippe Coutinho had that and a little bit more.

Apart from his goal that will be remembered in the Liverpool folklore for long, his constant tinkering with the Manchester City defense gave Pablo Zabaleta jitters on the right hand side. With his 1 touch passing, a through ball from the outside of his foot, and a 180 degree U-turn that left Pablo Zabaleta red-faced, Coutinho was the pick of the players today.

Manchester City had their chances

The match had gone on to injury time, Liverpool fans were signing praise edging closer to their win, however, when David Silva got the ball into the Liverpool half and went un-checked, there was a pin-drop silence in Anfield. But like life goes on, the silence was taken aback by a shear voice of chastise as Silva shot wide.

This is just 1 instance and Manchester City, to their credit, has made 2 or 3 goal scoring opportunities. However, as the stats showcase that they had just 1 legitimate shot on target, the Citizens refused to be clinical and were punished by a decisive force in red.

9 points from the last 3 – Top 4 looks much closer than it was in December for Liverpool

A fortnight ago from this fixture when Liverpool hosted a Tottenham side that had just defeated Arsenal, many would have thought that this would be it. However, the dream continued as Liverpool, just, slashed them aside.

Then came Southampton, and unlike their fixture against Spurs at home, this fixture was bound to test Liverpool like no other. However, credit to Philippe Coutinho for his decisive shooting and the referee Kevin Friend for his ‘’friendliness’’ with the Reds, 3 more points came back with Liverpool from South.

Today, it was Manchester City and although the visitors have a stature in Europe which only few others can manage to have, Liverpool got the same result that benefitted them the most. Hence, 3 more points added to their season tally.

Thus, even though you won’t sense it, the Reds have passed the most delicate turn of their season UNSCATHED. And with only 3 of the top 6 teams looking forward their way, the Reds have every reason to believe that their name would be amongst those that will play in Champions League next season.

Pressure on Manuel Pellegrini

As they say a coin has two sides, this fixture was a double pointed arrow for the Citizens. While at one hand a win might have guaranteed them to maintain pressure, a defeat has opened the flooding gates for Chelsea. And with a Champions League medal as close to him as Liverpool are from the Premier League title, Manuel Pellegrini would be a worried man come May.

Full time: Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City

Liverpool 2-1 Manchester City: 5 things we learned