Manchester City serves Liverpool first defeat
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND— Liverpool can’t now win the Premier League unbeaten.
Manchester City has renewed hope it won’t be surrendering the trophy at all.
A title defence faltering a week ago is back on track for Pep Guardiola after City beat Liverpool 2-1 on Thursday, inflicting the leader’s first league loss of the season in their 21st game.
Completing the packed festive program with an engrossing encounter, Liverpool’s threatened a comeback when Roberto Firmino cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s first-half opener but Leroy Sane struck the winner in the 72nd minute.
A year after Liverpool ended City’s hopes of emulating Arsenal’s 2003-04 Invincibles, the tables were turned on a freezing night that saw the title race open up again.
“Pretty intense,” Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp said. “It had wild moments.”
Back-to-back losses for City less than two weeks ago had put Liverpool on a seemingly smoother path to a first English title in 29 years. Rather than going 10 points clear, Liverpool’s lead has been trimmed to four points by City, which reclaimed second place from Tottenham.
“It’s still in Liverpool’s hands, but our performance was beyond anything else I’ve ever witnessed,” City captain Vincent Kompany said. “We went toe-to-toe with a very physical and aggressive team and we matched them for everything, if not more.”
City was spared from going behind by just 11 millimetres of the ball failing to cross the line in the 18th minute. When Sadio Mane hit the post, City defender John Stones’ attempted clearance went straight onto goalkeeper Ederson’s head. The ball looped back toward the goal and Stones had to scramble to clear. It proved just enough, as goalline technology ruled out the score.