Joe Gomez and Virgil van Dijk played a pivotal role as Liverpool managed to inflict a 1-0 defeat on a high-flying Manchester City side on Sunday afternoon.
Due to their poor start to the 22/23 campaign, not many people gave Liverpool a real chance of beating City, especially with Erling Haaland in their side.
However, Jurgen Klopp’s men dug deep to find their best football as they produced a spirited display to push Pep Guardiola’s side all the way.
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City dominated ball possession and chances created but Liverpool were backed by an electric Anfield crowd as they found their goal in the 76th minute with a stunning counter-attack which was started by Alisson and finished off by Mohamed Salah.
City threw the kitchen sink at Liverpool in the remaining minutes but the likes of Haaland, Phil Foden and Kevin de Bruyne couldn’t find a way past a stubborn Reds defence.
Gomez and Van Dijk were at the heart of Klopp’s defence and they produced a masterful display.
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Liverpool’s defenders have been put under intense scrutiny after conceding three goals in their last two matches against Arsenal and Brighton, but they never looked like conceding on Sunday.
Haaland was limited to just two big chances, both saved by Liverpool keeper Alisson. Van Dijk made a vital interception in the 81st minute as Haaland was waiting unmarked to head home.
Gomez on the other hand dealt with the threats posed by Foden on City's left flank, often helping James Milner out.
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During Liverpool’s title-winning season, Gomez and Van Dijk were lauded as one of the best centre-back pairings in world football, and they duly showed that kind of form against City.
A truly stunning display when Liverpool needed it most.
Gomez was named player of the match by Sky Sports’ Gary Neville, whilst Van Dijk drew praise from former Reds defender Jamie Carragher.
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He said: “Van Dijk played the game like he had something to prove. I've never really seen Van Dijk like that the way he was today. I've seen him be the standard.
“He was a leader and we asked for that before the game, we needed him to show a bit more of that. There was an instance just before where he actually blocks the cross and slides on the floor.”
Featured Image Credit: Alamy/Sky SportsTopics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Joe Gomez, Virgil Van Dijk
