Manchester City v Liverpool – Who won Round 1?

by Ryan Conway, Northern England Correspondent

Manchester City and Liverpool both turned in very convincing performances in the opening weekend of the Premier League. Liverpool thrashed hapless West Ham 4-0 at Anfield while City were suave and smooth at the Emirates, beating an outclassed Arsenal 2-0.

If any squad has a chance to topple Pep Guardiola’s side it is the Merseyside outfit. 25-points is a massive gap to bridge, but City’s 100 points amassed last season may drop slightly. No slight on Guardiola at all, more a compliment of the unprecedented level they reached last year. So, whose squad is going to cope when the games are coming thick and fast?

For City, their changes were limited. Both sides made changes during the transfer window, and both now boast new talent in the new season.

They showed only one new face to the regular line-up in the shape of Riyad Mahrez, their spine largely built and only needing fine tuning. However, their depth is incredible with Benjamin Mendy, who was largely missing from last year’s league triumph, slotted back in at left-back and providing both assists. Aymeric Laporte was a January arrival and looked comfortable, meanwhile Vincent Kompany occupied the bench, along with Leroy Sane and Kevin De Bruyne. Could this be a sign that this squad has the capabilities to not just rule England, but Europe?

Jurgen Klopp has made sweeping changes in an aggressive bid to unseat Manchester City at the top of the table. Their squad has been completely revised after their May Champions League Final defeat.

CATCHING UP IN THE KEEPING DEPARTMENT

Last year, Ederson was an excellent addition for Guardiola’s men. In his first season he was a huge part of their third Premier League title. Claudio Bravo proved too problematic for the former Barcelona boss and was relegated to the bench in favour of the tattooed Brazilian.

Over on Merseyside, Karius’ season was more inconsistent. Klopp struggled to find a regular number one, Simon Mignolet was also in fluctuating form. Alisson has arrived at Anfield  from Roma to much fanfare, expected to take them over the top. Perhaps Ederson has the edge having already been in England the extra year. Alissons’ adaptability will be key.

It’s clichéd, but the returning of a player from a long-term injury feels like a new signing. Guardiola won the title in record style without his first choice left-back. Mendy returned last season and is looking fully fit. The World Cup winner laid on both assists against Arsenal.

For Liverpool, they will have January signing Virgil van Dijk from the start of a campaign. The same can be said for City and their French acquisition, Aymeric Laporte. A full season of both will only strengthen their respective title charges.

FORWARD MARCH

Meanwhile Riyad Mahrez added to City’s wealth of attacking options and is also a natural replacement should Raheem Sterling’s contract talks start to become uncomfortable. The deal was reportedly close at the start of the calendar year. Guardiola identified Leicetser’s Algerian as perfect competition in the wide areas for Sterling and Leroy Sane.

Liverpool too added numerous forward-thinking players.

Xherdan Shaqiri was brought in from Stoke City to add depth to the Reds’ front line. Midfield quality was upgraded with Naby Keita and Fabinho. There are high hopes especially for Keita who has had six months of extra hype to live up to having been announced in the winter.

Guardiola is also trying to blood his youth players. Phil Foden was sprinkled in towards the end of last season and is trusted enough to earn a spot on the bench. The environment is one in which the young English forward can thrive.

Perhaps this is the area in which Klopp may have the upper hand. The emergence of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back was one of the feel-good stories of the 2017-18 season.

Both coaches have done a masterful job of coaching up the players already at the club. Guardiola has already instilled a new-found awareness in Raheem Sterling resulting in his best single season goal-tally.

Meanwhile the former Dortmund manager has worked his magic on left-backs Andrew Robertson and Roberto Firmino. The latter forming part of a prolific trio which fired them to the Champions League Final.

Liverpool made the most headlines with their signings, but City’s spine and continuity is already in place. Klopp will be judged on if he can get the new players to gel quick enough to mount a serious title charge. Mohamed Salah meshed with he new teammates instantly and went on to find the net for Liverpool at a historic rate. Van Dijk is also a player whom made a seamless transition.

Guardiola’s task meanwhile turned to another piece of history. Can he become the first Man City manager to retain the title? Another dent in Manchester United’s Manchester supremacy would be inflicted if he could achieve this. His squad has been tweaked, however with nothing but subtle fine-tuning required to bring City to an extra level.