3 of the Most Memorable Liverpool vs Manchester City Battles

01 Dec 2024, 10:30 AM ScoreWaves Staff view

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Liverpool and Manchester City have developed one of the Premier League’s fiercest modern rivalries, producing pulsating encounters that often decide silverware or shift momentum in title races. Over the last 15 seasons, these two clubs have redefined English football, making their clashes must-watch affairs.

With another pulsating clash between the two giants right around the corner, here’s a look at three unforgettable battles between the Reds and the Cityzens that still echo in fans’ minds.

1) Liverpool 4–3 Manchester City (Premier League 2018)

Manchester City arrived at Anfield in January 2018 riding high on a wave of unprecedented dominance. Pep Guardiola’s side was unbeaten in 22 Premier League games, looking invincible and set to run away with the title. However, Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool had other plans in a game that showcased the breathtaking intensity of both teams.

The match began with Liverpool flying out of the blocks, energizing a raucous Anfield crowd. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a surging run and precise low drive past Ederson. It was the perfect start for Liverpool, who set out to press City relentlessly. However, City, as they so often do, found a way back. Leroy Sané leveled the game in the 40th minute with a fierce shot that caught Loris Karius off guard at the near post. The equalizer shifted momentum, and at halftime, it felt like Guardiola’s men were gearing up for a second-half storm.

Instead, Liverpool unleashed chaos. In a blistering nine-minute spell, Klopp’s men scored three goals that left City shell-shocked. Roberto Firmino’s exquisite chip over Ederson restored the Reds’ lead before Sadio Mané unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike into the top corner to make it 3-1. Then came Mohamed Salah, capitalizing on an Ederson error with an audacious long-range lob into an empty net.

However, City refused to go quietly, and in classic Guardiola fashion, they fought back. Goals from Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan in the dying moments ensured a nervy finish, but Liverpool held on for a stunning 4-3 victory. The result didn’t derail City’s title charge—they still finished the season with 100 points—but it showed that Guardiola’s juggernaut was not invincible. For Liverpool, it was a statement of intent, a signal that Klopp’s high-octane football could go toe-to-toe with the very best.

2) Manchester City 2–1 Liverpool (Premier League, January 2019)

If there’s one match that epitomizes the fine margins of football, it’s this one. Heading into the new year, Liverpool were on top of the Premier League table, unbeaten in 20 games, and holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Manchester City. A win at the Etihad would have effectively ended the title race. Instead, City clawed their way back into contention with a narrow, nerve-shredding victory.

The game began with both teams displaying their usual swagger, but it was City who struck first. Sergio Agüero produced a moment of brilliance in the 40th minute, smashing the ball past Alisson Becker from a tight angle to give the hosts the lead. The goal sparked the Etihad crowd into life and gave City a foothold in the game. Liverpool, however, were far from done. They equalized in the 64th minute through Roberto Firmino, who headed home from close range after a delightful cross from Andrew Robertson. At 1-1, the game hung in the balance, with both teams trading blows like heavyweight champions. The decisive moment came in the 72nd minute. Raheem Sterling found Leroy Sané on the left. The German winger’s low shot hit the inside of the post and nestled into the back of the net, sending the City faithful into delirium.

There was still drama to come. Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané both came agonizingly close to equalizing late on, but City held firm. The margins were so fine that at one point, John Stones cleared the ball off the line by just 11 millimeters—a moment that remains iconic in the annals of this rivalry. City’s 2-1 win reignited the title race, and they went on to edge Liverpool by a single point in one of the greatest Premier League seasons ever.

3) Liverpool 3–1 Manchester City (Premier League, November 2019)

By the time Liverpool and Manchester City faced off in November 2019, their rivalry had reached fever pitch. Liverpool were desperate to end their 30-year title drought, while City were determined to defend their crown. The stage was set for another Anfield classic, and the game did not disappoint.

Liverpool made an electric start, striking twice within the opening 15 minutes. Fabinho opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from 25 yards, sparking debate over a potential handball in the buildup. VAR ruled in Liverpool’s favor, and the home fans erupted. Minutes later, Mohamed Salah doubled Liverpool’s lead, heading home a pin-point cross from Andrew Robertson. City, stunned by the early onslaught, struggled to find their rhythm as the Anfield crowd roared their team on.

The second half saw more of the same. Liverpool continued to dominate, and Sadio Mané added a third in the 51st minute with a diving header. At 3-0, it felt like Klopp’s men had one hand on the Premier League trophy. City, however, weren’t ready to wave the white flag. Bernardo Silva pulled one back in the 78th minute, giving Guardiola’s side a glimmer of hope. Despite late pressure from City, Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by Virgil van Dijk, held firm.

The 3-1 victory was a defining moment in Liverpool’s title-winning campaign. It extended their lead at the top of the table to nine points and delivered a psychological blow to City, who struggled to keep pace for the rest of the season. Klopp’s men went on to win the league by 18 points, finally ending their three-decade wait.

Also Read: Liverpool vs Manchester City – Premier League – Preview, Team News and Updates