Manchester City Clash Highlights Familiar Struggles
Liverpool’s recent encounter with Manchester City exposed ongoing challenges, as Arne Slot’s side squandered a lead at Anfield. Dominik Szoboszlai delivered a stunning strike, putting the hosts ahead and having Manchester City on the back foot for significant periods, including a dominant 30-minute spell after halftime.
However, Szoboszlai received a red card 13 minutes into stoppage time, shifting momentum. Erling Haaland, kept quiet for 84 minutes, scored and assisted another goal, securing City’s first Anfield victory since 2003. This result leaves Arsenal six points clear of City with 39 points remaining, keeping the title race alive.
Mid-Table Form Raises Doubts
Liverpool sit five points behind Manchester United in the race for Champions League spots. While City remains in contention despite trailing Arsenal, Liverpool must mount a similar recovery for top-four finish.
Recent form tells a different story: Liverpool have failed to win 14 of their last 20 matches, earning just three points from six games since September 20. Their strong start—five consecutive wins—masks mid-table performances since. Brentford matches the champions on points midway through February, while United, once in the bottom half, now lead Liverpool by five.
Injury Crisis Hits Defense Hard
A mounting defensive injury list exacerbates woes: Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and Joe Gomez remain sidelined, with Szoboszlai now suspended. Liverpool will rely on their fifth-choice right back for the upcoming Sunderland clash on Wednesday.
Slot voiced frustration post-match over Manchester City’s Marc Guehi avoiding a red card at 0-0, a valid concern. Yet, after taking the lead, Liverpool retreated, allowing a rattled City to rally back—a pattern contrasting last season’s dominance.
Tough Fixtures Demand Turnaround
Five of the current top eight await in Liverpool’s final six games, starting with Sunderland. Injuries explain one league win in seven this year, but glimpses of brilliance—like Szoboszlai’s goal—suggest potential. Chelsea and United face likely point drops, positioning Liverpool favorably if they capitalize.
Slot’s team shows vulnerability, producing magic moments undone by lapses. Overcoming this bipolar form remains key to securing top four.
