The match was marked by the fantastic Erling Haaland who scored a hat-trick, while the tragic one was Mohamed Salah who, among other things, missed a penalty.
It was a one-way game in which Liverpool suffered one of the heaviest defeats of the season, writes Sky Sports.
After Haaland announced the disaster for the visitors with two goals in the first half, City continued in the same rhythm in the second half. Already in the 50th minute, Semenyo made it 3:0, and just seven minutes later, Haaland completed his hat-trick for an embarrassing 4:0. O’Reilly started the action with a double pass with Doku, after which he ran in behind the Liverpool defence. Goalkeeper Mamardashvili ran out to save the corner, but O’Reilly unselfishly passed to Haaland who powerfully hammered the ball under the crossbar.
While City dominated, Liverpool missed their rare opportunities, and Mohamed Salah led the way. The Egyptian missed a great opportunity in the 55th minute when the ball landed on his left foot inside the penalty area, but he sent it high over the goal.
The highlight of his poor performance came in the 64th minute. After Ekitike was brought down in the penalty area, Liverpool had a chance for an honorable goal, but Salah’s shot from the penalty spot was read and saved by the Trafford goalkeeper.
“Not all Liverpool fans in the away stands even saw that penalty,” commented Sky Sports’ Adam Bate. His colleague Ben Ransom added: “Liverpool may have to change their penalty taker before Salah leaves in the summer. It’s two misses in a row for him after the one against Galatasaray.”
Until the end of the game, City calmly controlled the events on the field, and the fans at the Etihad celebrated a great victory. A song was played in the stadium, and the famous “Poznan” celebration was also seen.
City fans didn’t miss an opportunity to taunt Liverpool manager Arne Slott, chanting: “You’ll be sacked in the morning.”
The match ended with a standing ovation for the home players, especially Cherki and Semenya who were substituted in the 71st minute.
(Vijesti.ba)
