Without Erling Haaland, Manchester City could have faced an identity crisis against Liverpool.
Would they persist with the changes they have been implementing all season to get the best out of Haaland, or revert to their more measured build-up of recent seasons? Pep Guardiola talked up Julian Alvarez's off-the-ball work, his ability to play in a front two, and his general attitude before the game - but not his form as a lone striker.
Guardiola even joked City could play three false nines instead of Alvarez, but that was an early attempt at an April Fool as Alvarez did indeed start against Liverpool. Not only did he prove he can play upfront on his own - he showed he can do exactly what Haaland has done so often this season.
