Liverpool 0-0 Manchester City: 5 Talking Points and Tactical Analysis, Premier League 2018/19

#3 The game finally opens up after the hour mark

Yes, that's how close it was

After an absolute bore fest in the first half against many predictions and expectations, the match finally opened up to some extent after the hour mark. In the first period, both sides lacked a finishing touch to their build-up play. Neither were able to produce a telling final ball. As a result, there was no shot on target

In the second half, Riyad Mahrez turned away from Robertson, used his body to trick him and mustered a fine effort, only to see it go inches away from the far post. The same man again threatened but shot straight at Alisson. In the 75th minute, the Algerian tested the Brazilian shot-stopper once more on his near post.

City struggled to keep up to the pace of Liverpool at times and hence, gave away cynical fouls that triggered the Anfield crowd. Robertson played an exquisite long ball down the path of Salah, who controlled it beautifully but lacked composure in front of goal.

Sturridge met a cross from Gomez as well, but the header was too softly met.