Bad Kompany should have walked says raging Klopp
PREMIER LEAGUE LAST NIGHT’S ACTION
before it crossed the line, with the goal-decision system confirming that by the most slender of margins.
It was a massive let-off for City and a reminder of Liverpool’s devastating ability to rip opponents apart in seconds.
City created a gilt-edged change in the 28th minute, Fernandinho releasing Raheem Sterling, who in turn found David Silva but the Spaniard took a touch before shooting, allowing Klopp’s defence to regroup and block his effort.
The champions received another slice of fortune on the half-hour when Vincent Kompany took out Mo Salah with a two-footed lunge trying to retrieve a pass from Stones.
Kompany was cautioned but replays confirmed the belief the City skipper was fortunate not to be shown a straight red.
The breakthrough came five minutes before the break, Aguero getting to Bernardo Silva’s cross ahead of Dejan Lovren and taking a touch before arrowing the ball high into the net from the most outrageous of angles.
Lovren stood open-mouthed at the audacity and brilliance of Aguero’s finish, the goal continuing his run of scoring in every one of his seven home appearances against the Reds.
City’s defensive frailties were exposed once again with Klopp’s men taking full advantage.
But the champions restored their lead seven minutes later, Sterling allowed to surge forward unchallenged before finding Sane, who drilled an unstoppable shot past Alisson and in off his far post.
Salah went close late on, Emerson swiping his effort behind as Guardiola raged on the sidelines over what he thought was a foul from Firmino in the build-up.
At the other end, Bernardo Silva went close in the last minute, while Sterling somehow contrived to screw the rebound wide.
Sane’s goal proved a decisive moment, with Liverpool unable to find a way back for a second time and City proving their class, desire and mental strength. BY ED CASEY JURGEN KLOPP blasted ref Anthony Taylor for not sending off Vincent Kompany after his Liverpool side lost their undefeated record.
City reignited the Premier League title race as they ended the Reds 20-game unbeaten start to the season to reduce their lead at the top to four points after a 2-1 win.
Leroy Sane hit the winner after Roberto Firmino’s stooping header had cancelled out Sergio Aguero’s opener.
However, it was Kompany’s two-footed lunge on Mo Salah when the Egyptian was through on goal on the half hour that angered Klopp.
The Liverpool gaffer said: “I really like Vincent Kompany but how on earth is that not a red card? He is last man and he goes in.
“If he hits Mo more he is out for the season. It is not easy for the ref and he may not see it how I see it.”
However, Klopp insisted he was not too downbeat by the defeat. He said: “It was not our best game with City because we both made it difficult for the other team.
“I have already said to the boys this is OK. We lost but it will happen. Tonight it is not nice but it is not the biggest problem.”
Pep Guardiola was blunt before the biggest Premier League game of the season when he stated anything other than victory was not an option. And he was delighted to get the job done.
The City manager said: “We beat an incredible team. We were outstanding from the first minute.
“We are happy for this victory to reduce the gap. Everything is open.
“We need Sergio Aguero in these games, his quality makes the difference.
“To win these games, he has done it all his career and his finish was incredible. Liverpool don’t concede goals and we scored two. We played with courage and we were aggressive in our pressing.”