Pep Guardiola requested Manchester City’stay in the game’ at halftime before destroying Liverpool 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium, according to Jack Grealish.
The clubs headed into halftime tied at 1-1 after Julian Alvarez equalized Mohamed Salah’s opening, with City dominating possession but Liverpool threatening on the attack. Less than a minute into the second half, Kevin De Bruyne finished off a fantastic play, setting the tone for the home side’s 45-minute domination.
On 53 minutes, Ilkay Gundogan made it three, before Grealish, who was named Man of the Match, added a well-earned fourth with 15 minutes left. City dominated the first half, but it was the second 45 minutes when they completely dominated Liverpool.
“We had a conversation between ourselves and with the manager,” Grealish stated after the game. “He just said that we must remain in the game. Except for the goal, I felt we played well in the first half. I was in the bathroom all morning, feeling nauseous, yet I ended up buzzing.”
Grealish’s magnificent performance was well worth the goal and assist he provided, and the 27-year-form old’s was summed up when he raced back and chased down Salah with his team behind 1-0. He left to a standing ovation from the Etihad fans and a strong embrace from Guardiola, stating that despite feeling a bit under the weather, he is enjoying his sport at the moment.
The City star also issued a warning to Arsenal, claiming that his team will go all the way in the championship chase.
“I love football and I love playing, I love training, and there’s nothing better than when it’s going good and things like this,” he continued. “I’m back to my regular me now, back to full health, I’m feeling confident, and scoring and earning the assist tonight was ideal.”
“You know [Arsenal] are a terrific club, and it’s in their hands right now, so we’re just going to keep doing all we can to try and follow them down, and we’ve just got to keep winning games.”
Pep Guardiola praises two Manchester City players who played unnoticed contributions against Liverpool
When Manchester City defeated Liverpool in the Premier League, Pep Guardiola singled out Julian Alvarez and John Stones for appreciation.
In Erling Haaland’s absence, Alvarez was charged with leading the line against Liverpool, while Stones was preferred over Kyle Walker at right-back. Instead of playing as a typical right-back, Stones shifted to defensive midfield, where he scarcely missed a ƅҽɑт against a tough Liverpool midfield.
And City manager Pep Guardiola praised both players, notably opener striker Alvarez, for stepping into key positions and performing well.
Guardiola said that there were no big tactical changes made in comparison to how City generally lines up with Haaland.
“Nothing has changed. Football strategy players of high grade “He said. “You have something special with Erling, and Julian is also something wonderful. The plan was to have the second one, play that position to Riyad, who was crucial in the first three goals.” He was brilliant with the ball; he played for a national team and a world champion team; if you aren’t excellent, you can’t play for a world champion team. Thank you very much for scouting him and allowing Txiki [Begiristain] to uncover him, as well as for this price. He’s very modest, yet he played a great game.”
When questioned about Stones, Guardiola praised the defender’s placement while also emphasizing the importance of three other players in making the plan work.
He elaborated: “It’s not easy for him; he can play there; nevertheless when you look at the game in front of you, he’s surrounded by their guys.
“It’s difficult to play there because it’s like a bubble. He has a lot of personalities, and he, along with Rodri, Ruben [Dias], and Nathan [Ake], contribute significantly. He performed well.”
