Liverpool got their new season off to the perfect start this weekend as they claimed the Community Shield against Manchester City.
Goals from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and summer signing Darwin Nunez saw the Reds waltz away with the silverware in what will be a big boost ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season kicking off next weekend.
It has also been suggested that it could give the Merseysiders a big psychological boost ahead of the new campaign with the Reds and City anticipated to be going head-to-head for major honours once again. Whilst victory - and a resultant trophy - cannot be underestimated, the Reds having overcome their closest challengers could potentially give them concern heading into the new season.
City boss Pep Guardiola now has a much better idea of what he needs to work on over the week to come as he attempts to get his side up to speed ahead of them kicking off the defence of their title - whether that be fitness, specific tactics or instructions for his starting players.
The former Barcelona schemer does not like losing so will be trying harder than ever to get his side back on track ahead of what promises to be a testing start to the season against West Ham United.
He has already confirmed as much in his post-match press conference at the King Power Stadium. The Spaniard said: "We have to improve. The timing is not much what we have to do, especially the fact we need this month training and games to get our tempo and we will do it."
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City also have history of doing just that and going on to secure the Premier League title in some style. In 2011/12, they found themselves on the wrong end of a 3-2 scoreline to great rivals Manchester United.
That entertainment was only a sign of what was to come as they this time squeezed past the Red Devils on the final day of the campaign - Sergio Aguero bagging the trophy with practically the last kick of the season.
City then repeated that trick only last season. Coming up against reigning FA Cup winners Leicester City at Wembley, ex-Citizen Kelechi Iheanacho proved to be the villain as he powered home a late winner to leave Guardiola’s men disappointed. They responded in the best possible fashion with a 93-point season and their sixth Premier League title in all.
Liverpool will no-doubt be attempting to keep City at bay - a fierce battle for the domestic league crown once again expected to break out between the two sides.
So whilst the Reds have won the first battle between the two sides of the season, Liverpool might send concerned glances over to the Etihad Stadium as Guardiola plans how he can run out the victor of the war.
