"Arne Slot was close to landing a coup against Pep Guardiola, the coach he admires most. Then came more of the individual errors that have ruined Liverpool's title defence. Aching weaknesses within Slot's squad were exposed again. Dominik Szoboszlai playing Bernardo Silva onside for Manchester City's equaliser was an error midfielders playing full-back will make. Szoboszlai's late red card was, though, foolish. Alisson's foul on Matheus Nunes for Erling Haaland's decisive penalty was another rush of blood."
"Liverpool's huge summer spend was motivated by their executives' belief in buying the best individuals to unlock the Premier League's tactical cages. City's key individuals showed such a policy can pay off, with Silva inspirational, Gianluigi Donnarumma making the save that sparked the game's chaotic final scenes, Marc Guehi looking an astute defensive signing and Haaland supplying Silva's goal. City had been unconvincing but their mentality held, allowing them to eventually profit from Hugo Ekitike's misses and the waning of Mohamed Salah."
Arne Slot was close to landing a coup against Pep Guardiola but Liverpool lost 1-2 to Manchester City after costly individual mistakes. Dominik Szoboszlai played Bernardo Silva onside for City's equaliser, received a late red card, and goalkeeper Alisson conceded a penalty by fouling Matheus Nunes, allowing Erling Haaland to score the decisive spot-kick. Liverpool's heavy summer spending aimed to buy match-winning individuals, yet tactical weaknesses and individual lapses undermined the title defence. Manchester City's Silva inspired the comeback, Gianluigi Donnarumma produced a crucial save, Marc Guehi impressed defensively and Haaland finished Silva's opportunity. Crystal Palace face uncertainty over Jean-Philippe Mateta's knee operation, while Jürgen Strand Larsen made a promising, if rusty, debut after a £48m move.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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