Liverpool claimed the first trophy of the new season by beating the Citizens at the King Power Stadium.
Liverpool defeated Manchester City 3-1 in their Community Shield clash on Saturday. The Reds sent a clear warning to their Premier League rivals by snatching the first trophy of the new season.
A perfect start for Nunez!
Jurgen Klopp dropped Darwin Nunez from his starting lineup, using the trio of Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino, and Luis Dias upfront.
Following a solid start to the game, the Reds opened the scoring through Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 21st minute.
Man City immediately started their efforts to get back into the game. But Liverpool held on to their defensive integrity throughout the first period.
Liverpool pushed hard to double their lead after the hour-mark, finding several opportunities inside City’s box. However, it was City, who scored the equalizer through their newly signed striker Julian Alvarez in the 70th minute.
Following a blocked shot from Phil Foden, the Argentine star smashed the ball into the back of the net from close range to make it 1-1 for the Citizens.
Liverpool doubled down on their attacks after City’s goal and restored their lead only ten minutes later.
Following a perfect cross from Salah, Nunez’s header touched Ruben Dias’ hand, convincing the referee to award Liverpool a penalty. Salah converted the spot-kick to bring the Reds ahead again with a precise shot into the bottom-right corner.
City found a few more opportunities to get back into the game after Salah’s penalty. But it was Nunez who completed his perfect night by scoring Liverpool’s third goal with a powerful header.
Liverpool will now prepare for their last pre-season friendly against Ligue 1 side Strasbourg on Sunday.
The Citizens, on the other hand, will play their next game in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side will travel to London to face West Ham in their season opener on Sunday.
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Adrian (7); Alexander-Arnold (7), Matip (6), Van Dijk (6), Robertson (7); Fabinho (6), Henderson (7), Thiago (7); Salah (6), Firmino (6), Diaz (5).
Bench: Milner (7), Keita (6), Jones (-), Elliot (6), Carvalho (6), Nunez (8).
Man City: Ederson (5); Walker (6), Dias (6), Ake (7), Cancelo (6); Rodri (7), De Bruyne (7), B. Silva (7); Mahrez (6), Haaland (5), Grealish (6).
Bench: Gundogan (5), Alvarez (7), Foden (6).
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