Liverpool and Manchester City 's Premier League title showdown at the Etihad was always destined to be a tactical battle.
The two sides have been at the centre of a growing rivalry at the top of the table in recent years and generally been head and shoulders above their other Premier League opponents. The stakes were higher than ever as Liverpool looked to leapfrog Pep Guardiola 's side at the top of the table.
Before the game, Gary Neville outlined a key new element to Jurgen Klopp 's side which he has not had the luxury of unleashing against Manchester City and Chelsea so far this season - his ideal midfield partnership. Thiago Alcantara was fit to start alongside Fabinho in the middle of the park, the first time they have ever played in midfield together against City.
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