Liverpool’s performance in their 1-0 win over Manchester City was arguably their best against the Cityzens since Pep Guardiola moved to England, certainly in the Premier League at least. The Reds had five Opta-defined clear-cut chances while allowing only one in return.
To put that into context, Jurgen Klopp’s side averaged 1.5 across the previous 12 league meetings, only hitting their previous best of three on three occasions. Similarly, Liverpool conceded 2.6 per match and only held City to one at most four times. There was marked improvement at both ends.
The way the game unfolded played into this a little. Two of the Reds’ official big chances occurred in stoppage time as the visitors chased for an equaliser. But there was an aspect of Liverpool’s defending which was as finely tuned as it has ever been against Guardiola’s team.
