Gundogan already eyeing clash with Reds
THE old adage may be to take one game at a time, but Ilkay Gundogan is content to reveal Manchester City are already looking towards their visit to Liverpool.
The two title favourites will meet at Anfield on October 7 and Gundogan — who scored a breathtaking goal and was the conductor of a symphonic performance in Saturday’s 5-0 victory over Cardiff City — is counting down the minutes.
“At the moment it looks like those games against the top clubs will be important,” said Looking ahead: Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan
Gundogan after his goal, two from Riyad Mahrez, his first for the club, and others from Sergio Aguero and Bernardo Silva had dismantled an outclassed Cardiff.
“We play Liverpool in a couple of weeks so it will be a real test for us at Anfield as they are also getting their points.
“Liverpool is a very strong team and Chelsea are very strong. United just dropped points against Wolves, like we did, so I think Wolves will cause a lot of problems.
“But it’s up to us in the end. We are trying to play like we did today because when we are ready like this our chances of winning games and titles are the highest.”
Showing no ill-effects from their midweek home defeat to Lyon, Pep Guardiola’s return to the touchline from his banishment in the stands inspired City to give their most dominant performance of the season so far. LIVERPOOL defender Joel Matip believes opposing teams should fear Anfield as it has now become a fortress.
A comfortable 3-0 win over Southampton meant the Reds have scored in their last 21 home league matches — their longest run since the 23 they registered between March and August 1986.
“I think it should always be a fear to come to Anfield as an opposing team,” said Matip, who scored his first Anfield goal on his first start since March 31.
“But we are working hard to make it as uncomfortable as pos- Back in goals: Joel Matip found net on his return from injury
sible for the opponent and we are on a good way. I think nobody enjoys to play here.”
Matip returned to the starting line-up at the expense of Joe Gomez, who was rested, but it did not affect their defensive stability against a poor Saints side.
He headed home Liverpool’s second, after Xherdan Shaqiri’s deflected cross resulted in Wesley Hoedt’s own goal, which was his first since November.
“After this long time, after this injury, it feels great to start again and to play. It was a nice feeling to be on the field 90 minutes,” added Matip, who underwent a thigh operation in April.
“Sure, it was quite a long time with the injury but now I’m fit and on a good way. I still need some time but (I’m) looking forward to the next game.
The result extended Liverpool’s 100 per cent start to the campaign to seven matches in all competitions.