After a 90 minute battle, Liverpool beat Manchester City 3-1 to claim the Community Shield for the 16th time in Liverpool’s history.
From the first whistle, Liverpool looked like the stronger team. They looked as if they have been back for months. Whereas, City looked rusty and players needed more time to get back into the game from the Pre Season.
After the brilliant build play of an artistic Thiago switch and a classic Mo Salah touch and lay off in the 21st minute of the game, Trent Alexander Arnold fired the Reds ahead from outside of the box into the top corner then going on to shushing the Man City fans.
After another 24 minutes of back and forth play, the half time whistle was blown. A great first half that would entertain even a non-football fan.
The second half started and City looked more and more dangerous throughout the half. Finally, there luck came to them in the 70th minute through a debut goal by Argentine Julian Alvarez, who couldn’t miss the goal.
The game was getting tense for all fans and it looked as if the game would go to extra time. However, Darwin Nuñez had come into the pitch and made a huge difference in Liverpool’s attacking urgency, making chances all over, he changed the game.
In the 80th minute, Nuñez’ chance was blocked by the hand of Ruben Dias leading to a VAR check and finally a penalty given to the Reds. Mo Salah stepped up…and finished well to put Liverpool in front in the last stages of the game.
After a heart chattering miss from Haaland, hitting the crossbar from 4 yards out, coming into the last seconds of the game, Liverpool were on the counter attack. Salah, at the forefront, whips a brilliant ball to Robertson at the back post, who then heads it into the space of Nuñez, who finishes it well with his head the give Liverpool the Community Shield for the first time in 16 years.
It was a brilliant game from both teams and an entertaining one to watch. Going into the season, Liverpool are looking very good even with some players not fully ready. I’m excited for the season now.
Next fixture is today at Anfield: Liverpool vs RC Strasbourg.
No comments:
Post a Comment