A Champions League quarter-final tie at Anfield against the impressive Manchester City was never meant to be so straightforward. The Reds produced one of the best performances I've seen from a Liverpool side in a very long time, completely and utterly flummoxing City both in attack and in defence.
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| Image via The Guardian |
It was a stunning effort from Klopp's side who got off the mark inside 15 minutes thanks to their Egyptian king. For me, it was never in doubt that Salah would find the back of the net and his goal would prove to be a catalyst for Liverpool in the first half.
The Anfield atmosphere was electric, an intimidating place at the best of times, on a European night I would not want to be walking out of the tunnel into that cauldron.
A second goal for the Reds followed at 20 minutes after a stunning strike from Oxlade-Chamberlain. It was a cracking effort from the ex-Arsenal man and Vincent Kompany's reaction along with Pep Guardiola' said it all, this wasn't going to be City's night, not even close.
Just after the half hour mark Sadio Mane found Liverpool their third, a lovely timed cross from Salah was finished with a great header from Mane. The Reds were up 3-0 with the second half still to come, phenomenal.
Away from the goals which didn't increase, defensively the Reds should also be praised, the relentless Andy Robertson put in a fantastic display but it was Trent double A who really shone for me. He had his work cut out up against Sane and prior to kick off I was genuinely quite concerned but the youngster dealt with him superbly.
I always had the confidence that over two legs we could have City but never in a million years did I think we'd be 3-0 up in the first leg. That clean sheet is a sublime bonus, City have to find three goals at the Etihad to even get a sniff while keeping the likes of Mane, Firmino and Salah all out?
I don't buy that we won't score at the Etihad I just don't. Liverpool have created a massive headache for Guardiola and I genuinely don't think they know what's hit them.
Simply awesome. Roll on Tuesday night!