Liverpool lay down their marker in defeat as the Blue Moon continues to rise

In a season characterised so far by total anarchy, two of the rival factions for the throne delivered an enthralling battle which showed why both have legitimate claims at this stage. Brendan Rodgers led his Liverpool hordes into the Etihad in confident fashion, attempting to breach a citadel where others had not even scarred the ramparts. To do so required bravery in both strategy and formation and although Liverpool showed plenty of both, they were ultimately turned away empty handed as poor finishing and defending in crucial moments denied them getting a deserved share of the spoils.

There was no repeat of the 3-5-2 which had played into Arsenal’s hands; instead Rodgers went with the 4-1-4-1 formation that has seen his team in such hot form coming into this match, the only change being that the backline held a deeper line to counter Man City’s pace. Rodgers had expertly tweaked the formation into an away from home counter-attacking one. The 3 central midfielders were conspicuous by the energy with which they attempted to clean up second balls and then supply the front three. The elusive Suarez was always available in space to receive the ball and then looked to free the widemen Sterling and Coutinho who made a lot of diagonal runs in behind the fullbacks.

One such move almost created the first goal for Liverpool in the 18^th minute, Suarez supplying Sterling only for him to be flagged offside when he was at least 3 yards onside. However, the Reds were not to be denied much longer. This time a Suarez ball found both wingers clear of the defensive line, Coutinho cleaning up a Sterling touch into the net for the first goal. The three continued to combine well Sterling set up Suarez with a chipped pass over the defence, who teed up Coutinho, only to be denied by the revitalised Joe Hart. It was a move which highlighted the Reds’ incessant movement.

Manchester City were not silent spectators to the football fest going on in their backyard. Liverpool’s gung-ho approach in possession was exploited by City with lightning quick counters into the areas vacated by the attacking fullbacks. This end-to-end attacking alternated with periods of pressure by both sides in a pulsating first half.

Man City hit back through what has become an all too familiar route for them this season – centre-back Vincent Kompany. It must be immensely frustrating for managers trying to implement a gameplan to see their side concede to a corner, however Kompany showed immense strength to easily hold off Skrtel. City continued to show Liverpool the dangers posed by their counter-attacks, one of which resulted in the 2^nd goal right at the end of the half. Swift interplay between Yaya Toure and Nasri freed Navas down the right to supply Negredo, whose shot was not held properly by Mignolet and rolled slowly into the net.

Liverpool were hit hard by this bitter blow, but continued fighting doggedly in a 2^nd half understandably reduced in pace but with the two teams still trading blows. Liverpool will feel they ultimately had Fate in their own hands but could not seize their moments. Sterling had a spectacular opportunity presented to him on a plate by the outstanding Suarez, but somehow contrived to miss with the goal gaping in the 74^th minute. In another move, Johnson messed up a first touch when the ball bobbled to him invitingly inside the box, while Mignolet’s mistake for the 2^nd goal condemned them to defeat.

It was a game in which Manchester City showed why the Premier League is theirs to lose. Theirs is a potent blend of power and art. They possess the ability to shift through the gears, sometimes slowing down the pace with good possession and then breaking at stunning speed. City also seem to have imbibed from their neighbours the quality of hitting back when down. Kompany being back in the side makes them a formidable unit, with the captain also adept at attacking set pieces. Their home stadium is a bastion which might not be breached this season and the only hope for their rivals is the patchy away form and that they play most of the other contenders away from home in the 2^nd half of the season.

Liverpool themselves have laid down a marker of their quality even in defeat. Rodgers has adjusted brilliantly to the loss of 2 major players and has remoulded his side’s attack around the effervescent Suarez. The passing and pressing game, his tactical acumen and the timely rejuvenation of a few of his previously fringe players means that Liverpool should still be a force to reckon with come the run-in. However, the absence of any game-changing player on the bench for this match should be a warning sign to the Reds of their squad depth in case of any more injuries. In summation, what was arguably the game of the season so far, among a list of other worthy candidates, has shown that this Premier League will be one to savour over the next few months.