Liverpool have started the 2022-23 season in style after beating rivals Manchester City 3-1 in the FA Community Shield on Saturday, July 30, 2022. This is the first time the Reds have lifted the shield since 2006 and their fans were ecstatic with the win.
Both sides took a cautious approach during the initial stages of the game. The Reds had a few half chances early on with both Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson hitting the side-netting of the goal.
Liverpool's early pressure paid off after just 21 minutes when right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold opened the scoring. Mohamed Salah provided a gentle pass to the Englishman who took the shot first time from the edge of the area to score past Ederson.
Manchester City, however, made a bright side in the second half. Riyad Mahrez's close-range shot was saved by goalkeeper Adrian just one minute into the half. The Reds themselves had a chance saved by the goalkeeper when Darwin Nunez's one-on-one effort was matched by Ederson in the 63rd minute.
Manchester City equalized after 70 minutes through new signing Julian Alvarez. The initial shot from Phil Foden was saved by Adrian but the rebound was tucked home by the Argentine forward.
Nine minutes later, the Reds were awarded a penalty after Nunez's header struck Ruben Dias' hand in the box. Salah duly converted the spot-kick to make it 2-1 in Liverpool's favor.
Nunez then himself wrapped up the game for his new side by scoring the winning goal in injury-time. The Uruguayan forward scored from close-range following a cushioned header from Robertson.
Football fans had plenty of reactions throughout the course of the entertaining affair at the King Power Stadium. Here are a few tweets in that regard:
When do Liverpool and Manchester City face each other in the Premier League?
Liverpool and Manchester City have resumed their rivalry ahead of yet another new season. The two sides have been the main staples in the Premier League title race over the last few seasons. However, the Cityzens have trumped the Reds, winning the title four times in five years.
The two powerhouse teams will first play against one another on October 16, 2022 at Anfield. The reverse fixture will be played at the Etihad Stadium on April 1, 2023.
Pep Guardiola's side finished just one point clear of the Reds last time around.
Apart from battling in the Premier League, the two sides can also expect to face one another in cup competitions like last season. They played each other in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, which Liverpool won 3-2.
Both City and the Reds, however, can expect new challengers in the race for the Premier League title race.
Arsenal have heavily strengthened their squad ahead of the new season after spending close to £120 million in bringing in five new players. They include Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from Manchester City.
Chelsea have also added new players in the form of Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly.