Manchester City suffered a disappointing 2-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in a Premier League clash that saw the Reds solidify their lead at the top of the table.
Goals from Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah ensured victory for Jurgen Klopp's side, leaving City trailing by eleven points. Speaking after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged Liverpool's deserved win while expressing his belief that his team is on the right track despite recent setbacks.
"First, I would like to congratulate Liverpool on a well-deserved win," said Guardiola. "The first 20 minutes we experienced [intensity and pressure] like when we came here in our prime. I saw how Ruben came back. How good Nathan controlled Salah. I want the team back. I want the players back."
Guardiola emphasized the return of several key players from injury, highlighting the positive momentum building within the squad. "Three or four players came back [from injury] and the feeling from here is we started to build something," he stated.
The City manager remained optimistic about his team's future prospects, emphasizing their determination to bounce back stronger. "From here we're going to try to build, win games and regain our confidence. Then we are a team and it's fantastic. I'm sitting here defending what we defend because these players give everything. The best years I lived in Manchester, and I have to find a solution to try to win games."
Liverpool's dominance was evident throughout the match, with Gakpo opening the scoring in the 12th minute after receiving a precise pass from Salah. Gakpo's pace and positioning consistently stretched City's defense, proving a significant threat throughout the game.
Despite City's efforts to regain control, they struggled to create clear-cut chances against Liverpool's resolute defense. Salah missed a golden opportunity to double Liverpool's lead early in the second half, firing over the crossbar from close range. However, he made amends in the 78th minute by converting a penalty awarded after Luis Diaz was fouled by Manchester City goalkeeper Ortega.
This victory propelled Liverpool nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal and eleven points ahead of defending champions Manchester City, solidifying their position at the top of the Premier League table. It remains to be seen how City will respond to this setback as the season progresses.
