Man City vs Liverpool LIVE: Premier League result, final score and reaction as City sweep Reds aside to close gap on Arsenal

Manchester City came from behind to defeat Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium and pile the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race.

City started the match well but a fine counter-attack from the visitors was finished off by Mo Salah, who scored against City for the fourth time this season, to send Liverpool in front.

Julian Alvarez, starting today in the absence of Erling Haaland, then slid home an equaliser after a slick move from the champions to send the teams into the break on level terms.

If the first half was an even affair the second was anything but. Two quickfire goals, inside seven minutes, from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan gave City a comfortable lead before Jack Grealish finished off a star performance with a goal of his own.

The victory now leaves Pep Guardiola’s men five points behind current leaders Arsenal and puts the pressure back on Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.

Relive all the action from Manchester City vs Liverpool:

Man City vs Liverpool

• Manchester City defeat Liverpool to move within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal

• Julian Alvarez roves and revels to underline status as world’s best second-choice striker

• 74’ GOAL! - Grealish’s great performance is rewarded with a fine goal (MCI 4-1 LIV)

• 53’ GOAL! - Gundogan adds a third for City (MCI 3-1 LIV)

• 46’ GOAL! - De Bruyne taps home to give City the lead (MCI 2-1 LIV)

• 27’ GOAL! - Alvarez pokes home Grealish’s pass to equalise (MCI 1-1 LIV)

• 17’ GOAL! - Mo Salah opens the scoring for Liverpool (MCI 0-1 LIV)

• 15’ CHANCE! - Mahrez curls a free kick wide of the target (MCI 0-0 LIV)

Manchester City FC 4 - 1 Liverpool FC

Julian Alvarez roves and revels to underline status as world’s best second-choice striker

15:12 , Michael Jones

Erling Haaland was bounding around in celebration. Manchester City’s striker had just equalised against Liverpool and their top scorer’s joy was evident. But the 42-goal man was in the executive boxes, the City player nearest him a 1990s midfielder, in his father Alf Inge.

The forward and finisher on the pitch was Julian Alvarez. On a day to suggest the World Cup winner may be the world’s best second-choice striker, City had few reasons to regret Haaland’s absence. His antics in the plush seats suggested his groin problem should not sideline him for long, but if City are to retain their Premier League title, it will owe much to a tour de force from his deputy.

Alvarez scored City’s first goal, made their second and had a prominent part in the third. By the time Jack Grealish scored the fourth, a deficit had been turned into an emphatic victory.

Alvarez revels to underline status as world’s best second-choice striker

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:58 , Michael Jones

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaking to BT Sport: “Minute one to minute 93 was a perfect performance - even though we concede a goal we played really well. They [Liverpool] always have threat on transition but we played really good. One of the best performances in my seven years.

“The players knew we weren’t playing bad. One goal down and we continued to do it and had just a bit of chat at half time and were lucky to score the second goal. But then at 2-1 the game was stable.

“I think this season is the Jack [Grealish] we thought could help us. He saved us from conceding a second goal, the chance for Mo Salah and Jack helped us. Riyad [Mahrez] was exceptional too, I cannot name one player better than another they were all exceptional.

“Not just the [Julian Alvarez] goal, the assist in the second and third. He was so clever with the ball, he’s an exceptional player. The club made an exceptional signing with him - he’s a world champion alongside Lionel Messi because he has something.”

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:55 , Michael Jones

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp speaking to BBC Match of the Day: “The first half was one we’ve seen a few times when we’ve played here. City always have more possession, but we had spells. We played calm, composed and caused them problems.

“Scored a wonderful goal, had another big moment but concede. It was unlucky how the ball went through [Andy] Robertson’s legs and they finish it off but coming out after half time and conceding two quick goals broke everything down.

“The goals, how we conceded is difficult to accept - we didn’t put in a challenge for either. That’s absolutely not acceptable to be honest. City completely in control after that and we were open and they could do whatever they wanted. That they only scored one more goal is well, thank you. It could’ve been different and that’s really bad news for us.

“In the end, we had moments but in general how we lost everything, unacceptable. 3-1 down is difficult here but there was nothing more there, four-ish players had an OK game and the rest were somewhere I don’t know.

“Three days and we play again against another strong team. Tomorrow is a big day for us because we have to work with what we saw today because we see it more often now.”

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:52 , Michael Jones

Man City gained their 100th Premier League home win under Pep Guardiola, in their 128th such match at the Etihad Stadium (D16 L12).

It’s the fastest a manager has reached 100 home wins in the competition, beating Arsène Wenger’s previous record of 139 games.

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:49 , Michael Jones

Liverpool have lost five of their 10 Premier League matches in 2023, already more defeats than in the whole of 2022 (P35 W24 D7 L4).

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:46 , Michael Jones

Kevin De Bruyne’s goal after 53 seconds is the earliest Liverpool have conceded in the second half of a Premier League game since Sylvain Distin netted after just 40 seconds for Everton in January 2011.

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:43 , Michael Jones

Manchester City’s Jack Grealish speaking to BT Sport: “Brilliant, we knew it would be a tough game playing Liverpool and the first after the international break is always difficult.

“We wanted to start this last period right, Liverpool are so dangerous with players they have up front and then you, not fear the worst, but think it’s going to be a tough game to get back into it. We were excellent especially in the second half.”

“We had a chat between ourselves and with the manager [at half-time] and he said we have to stay in the game. I thought we were good first half apart from the goal. I was in the toilet at half-time, I felt sick all morning but fine now, I feel buzzing.

“I love it - I love playing, training. When it’s going well there’s nothing better, I feel back to my normal self, feel fit and back to confidence. Scoring and getting the assist, I’m buzzing.

“Arsenal are a great team, it’s in their hands so we’ve just got to keep doing what we can to chase them down. I’m going to love you and leave you now I need to see how many days off I’ve got!”

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:40 , Michael Jones

FT Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:37 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola wins his 100th Premier League home match as a manager in his 128th home game (W100-D16-L12).

Of the eight managers to record at least 100 PL home victories, Arsene Wenger (139) previously reached this landmark in the fewest games.

Jurgen Klopp has won 99 of his 142 PL home fixtures as a manager (W99-D32-L11).

Man City vs Liverpool player ratings: Jack Grealish dominates Trent Alexander-Arnold in huge win

14:34 , Michael Jones

Man City increased the pressure on Arsenal in the Premier League title race with a 4-1 win over Liverpool on Saturday.

Liverpool took the lead through Mohamed Salah’s first-time strike after Diogo Jota broke the offside trap and teed up Mohamed Salah for a first-time finish, but Julian Alvarez equalised from six yards on the half-hour mark.

One minute into the second half City took the lead through Kevin de Bruyne and they never looked back after that, Ilkay Gundogan making it three and Jack Grealish netting a deserved fourth.

Here are the player ratings from the Etihad:

Player ratings as Grealish dominates and Man City thrash Liverpool

Full-time: Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:25 , Michael Jones

90+3 mins: It turned out to be an easy victory in the end for Manchester City.

Mo Salah’s first half strike threatened to cause an upset in favour of Liverpool but Julian Alvarez’s equaliser before the break got the hosts back into the match.

They came flying out of the blocks in the second half and two goals in seven minutes saw them move comfortably ahead before Jack Grealish capped a stellar performance with a goal of his own.

It’s now seven consecutive victories for Manchester City across all competitions and they look in terrific form to continue their title challenge.

Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:22 , Michael Jones

90 mins: A standing ovation is given to Jack Grealish as he leaves the pitch. He’s had an exceptional day, one of his best in a Manchester City shirt.

Cole Palmer is given a run out. There’s going to be three minutes of stoppage time.

Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:19 , Michael Jones

86 mins: De Bruyne feeds a short pass into the box towards Alvarez but Alisson is off his line quickly to close down the ball. He can’t gather it and De Bruyne keeps the attack going.

A flick over to the far post comes to Bernardo but Konate beats him in the air and nods the ball clear.

Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:15 , Michael Jones

83 mins: James Milner comes on to replace Cody Gakpo for Liverpool. There’s a few boos for the former City player as he jogs onto the pitch.

Elsewhere Bernardo Silva replaces Rodri who is given a round of applause when he departs.

Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:11 , Michael Jones

80 mins: The City fans are now singing ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning’ at Jurgen Klopp. That’s very unlikely to happen but this season has been the most testing one so far under the German’s leadership.

The Reds are going to need to regroup and focus on the games ahead of them for the run in.

Man City 4-1 Liverpool

14:10 , Michael Jones

77 mins: The Liverpool supporters are heading for the exits. It’s been a bruising encounter for the Reds who have looked so far away from Man City - in terms of quality - since the second half started.

Pep Guardiola’s men have really turned it on. They’ve come from behind to put four past Liverpool.

GOAL! Man City 4-1 Liverpool (Grealish, 74’)⚽️

14:07 , Michael Jones

74 mins: Fully deserved!

Ilkay Gundogan floats a diagonal ball over to Jack Grealish on the left wing. He brings it under control and slips in Kevin De Bruyne. De Bruyne carries the ball into the box then pulls it back to Grealish who guides a low side-footed finish into the far bottom corner.

City are romping to victory now.

Man City 3-1 Liverpool

14:05 , Michael Jones

71 mins: Even with those changes for Liverpool, Manchester City have taken control of the game. They’re focused on maintaining possession and taking time out of the game.

Man City 3-1 Liverpool

14:02 , Michael Jones

68 mins: It’s actually a quadruple change for Liverpool. Kostas Tsimikas, Roberto Firmino, Darwin Nunez and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all come on.

Andy Robertson, Harvey Elliott, Diogo Jota and Mo Salah are the four men replaced.

Man City 3-1 Liverpool

13:58 , Michael Jones

65 mins: Jurgen Klopp is prepping a triple change for Liverpool as he tries to regain some control in this match. Manchester City look comfortable in possession though.

Man City 3-1 Liverpool

13:56 , Michael Jones

62 mins: Riyad Mahrez tries to take on Andy Robertson but is forced to the byline and his cross comes into the hands of Alisson. The Liverpool goalkeeper slides the ball to the left-back who looks to kick start a counter-attack.

Robertson flicks the ball down the left wing but his pass is too heavy for Diogo Jota who can’t catch up before the ball runs out of play.

Man City 3-1 Liverpool

13:52 , Michael Jones

59 mins: Cody Gakpo goes down inside the Manchester City box and wants a penalty. The referee waves his appeals away as City break up the pitch.

Jack Grealish is given the ball and he curls a shot towards goal only to be denied by a leaping Alisson.

Man City 3-1 Liverpool

13:48 , Michael Jones

56 mins: Manchester City have a comfortable lead now. It’s been a torrid start to the second half for Liverpool who need to dig deep and get themselves back into this match.

GOAL! Man City 3-1 Liverpool (Gundogan, 53’)⚽️

13:47 , Michael Jones

53 mins: Three! Beautiful patient build-up from Man City sees them rewarded with another goal. Julian Alvarez is a hotbed of activity on the edge of the box moving the ball over to Riyad Mahrez before receiving it back when facing goal.

He rolls it onto his left foot and shoots but Trent Alexander-Arnold blocks the shot. His block just knocks the ball to Ilkay Gundogan though and the City captain stops it dead then lifts it past Alisson to extend City’s lead.

Man City 2-1 Liverpool

13:43 , Michael Jones

49 mins: Decent response from Liverpool who work the ball into the box for Cody Gakpo. He fizzes a shot at goal and is denied by Ederson before the offside flag goes up.

GOAL! Man City 2-1 Liverpool (De Bruyne, 46’)⚽️

13:40 , Michael Jones

46 mins: What a start to the second half!

Julian Alvarez is given the ball by Jack Grealish on the halfway line and whips a wonderful pass over to the right wing where Riyad Mahrez flies in behind.

He collects the ball and carries it into the box. There’s plenty of space for City to run into and Mahrez sends a pass over to Kevin De Bruyne who taps it home to send City ahead.

Second half: Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:37 , Michael Jones

How will this game end? Man City have been the more controlled side but Liverpool are threatening on the break. The next goal could prove to be a crucial one.

Both teams need to win this afternoon but only one can. If it ends in a draw then City could find themselves 10 points behind Arsenal by the end of the day.

Liverpool get the match back underway.

HT Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:31 , Michael Jones

Manchester City have won their last three Premier League games, but have yet to win four in a row in 2022/23. Will they go on to win this one today?

HT Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:27 , Michael Jones

Mo Salah is the first Liverpool player to score in four different games against an opponent in a single campaign since Ian Rush did so in five meetings with Everton in 1986/87.

HT Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:23 , Michael Jones

Half-time: Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:19 , Michael Jones

45+2 mins: An entertaining and exciting first half comes to an end at the Etihad Stadium with the honours even between Manchester City and Liverpool.

Mo Salah sent the visitors in front before Julian Alvarez showed that he’s a capable replacement for Erling Haaland by netting the equaliser.

All to play for in the second half.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:16 , Michael Jones

45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in the first half.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:16 , Michael Jones

44 mins: Ruben Dias floats a diagonal ball over the top and picks out Riyad Mahrez on the right. He weaves up to the edge of the box before sliding a pass over to Ilkay Gundogan.

Gundogan shoots but Fabinho lunges across and makes the block.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:12 , Michael Jones

41 mins: Mahrez’s free kick is guided behind by Andy Robertson and City have a corner that Liverpool need to deal with. Jordan Henderson and Manuel Akanji have a coming together before it’s taken get a speaking to by the referee.

This match is heating up nicely.

Mahrez is on set piece duties again. He curls the ball into the middle but Virgil van Dijk wins the header and heads it away.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:10 , Michael Jones

39 mins: Trent Alexander-Arnold is having a tough time of things against Jack Grealish today. The City winger has been on top form down the left wing and is a more than viable outlet for City to get up the pitch.

He wins another free kick after Alexander-Arnold leaves a bit too much on him in an attempted tackle. Another good chance coming up for City to get the ball into the box.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:07 , Michael Jones

36 mins: Cody Gakpo evades a wild tackle from Manuel Akanji and is then knocked down by Rodri. The Liverpool players swarm the referee and want the City midfielder booked a second time.

Liverpool are awarded the free kick but nothing more comes from the incident. Rodri is stepping on eggshells right now, he won’t want to get himself sent off.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:05 , Michael Jones

33 mins: Rodri yanks back Diogo Jota after the Liverpool attacker spins away from him in midfield. The City man goes in the book and Liverpool send the ball back to Alisson in order to maintain possession.

This has been a great half of football so far.

Man City 1-1 Liverpool

13:03 , Michael Jones

30 mins: Manchester City responded brilliantly to going behind. In truth they’ve been the better team but have been on the end of a couple of great counter-attacks from Liverpool.

The City supporters will be praising Jack Grealish right now. He denied a goal at one end then set up the equaliser at the other.

GOAL! Man City 1-1 Liverpool (Alvarez, 27’)⚽️

13:01 , Michael Jones

27 mins: Equaliser! And it’s Erling Haaland’s replacement, World Cup winner Julian Alvarez who gets the goal.

Riyad Mahrez is given the ball on the right wing and drives up the pitch before cutting inside. He rolls the ball to Ilkay Gundogan who threads a pass out to Jack Grealish on the left side of the box.

Grealish squares the ball past Trent Alexander-Arnold and puts it on a plate for Alvarez who pokes one past Alisson.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

12:59 , Michael Jones

25 mins: Wonderful defending! John Stones loses possession high up the pitch and the ball comes loose to Harvey Elliott. He boots it forward towards Mo Salah who begins his run inside his own half.

Salah recovers the ball and carries it into the box before looking for Diogo Jota on the far side of the area.

He plays the pass but Jack Grealish sprints back and intercepts the ball to end the counter-attack.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

12:54 , Michael Jones

22 mins: Chance! Man City have stepped it up here. They’re working the ball into the Liverpool box with seeming ease but just can’t finish off their moves.

De Bruyne flicks a cross in from the left and picks out Mahrez. He meets the ball on the half volley and smokes a left-footed effort over the top of the crossbar.

Man City 0-1 Liverpool

12:51 , Michael Jones

20 mins: Salah comes together with Nathan Ake and the ball is knocked out for a throw in. The referee awards it to Man City and Salah is fuming over the decision.

He throws a few verbals in the referee’s direction and receives a yellow card for dissent.

GOAL! Man City 0-1 Liverpool (Salah, 17’)⚽️

12:49 , Michael Jones

17 mins: Liverpool take the lead! Trent Alexander-Arnold chips the ball up the pitch as Diogo Jota drives into space through the middle of the park.

Manuel Akanji is playing him onside and the forward takes the ball into the box. He holds it off before rolling it into the path of Mo Salah who runs onto the ball and drills it into the bottom left-hand corner.

Lovely finish!

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

12:46 , Michael Jones

15 mins: Opportunity here for City who win a free kick just on the edge of the Liverpool box. Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez stand over the dead ball after a quick conversation.

De Bruyne leaps over the ball as a dummy runner before Mahrez whips a shot just wide of the far post!

That was close.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

12:44 , Michael Jones

12 mins: De Bruyne combines with Riyad Mahrez on the right wing for Man City. De Bruyne’s cross is headed clear and comes out to Rodri.

He goes for goal and draws another decent save out of the Liverpool goalkeeper.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

12:41 , Michael Jones

9 mins: Close! A long ball over the top drops for Jack Grealish who bombs in behind Trent Alexander-Arnold. He pulls the ball back to Rodri but the midfielder misses it before John Stones collects the ball.

He works it over to Kevin De Bruyne on the right side. De Bruyne flicks a cross over to the far post where Ilkay Gundogan pops up and hooks a low shot at goal which Alisson smothers low down.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

12:38 , Michael Jones

6 mins: Liverpool look to be set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Salah as the leading striker and Cody Gakpo playing centrally in behind him.

Fabinho gives away a free kick inside his own half and gifts Man City a first real chance on goal. Kevin De Bruyne takes the free kick but knocks it square to Riyad Mahrez.

Liverpool are out quickly and forced City to pass the ball back to John Stones. He finds De Bruyne who now whips on into the box. It falls to Mahrez who lays it off quickly to Julian Alvarez.

The Argentine looks to hang a cross into the six-yard area but sends it too close to Alisson who plucks the ball out of the air.

Man City 0-0 Liverpool

12:35 , Michael Jones

3 mins: Jack Grealish receives the ball on the left wing and flicks it down the line for Julian Alvarez to chase down. He’s racing Virgil van Dijk but the Dutch defender gets there ahead of him and belts the ball out of play.

At the other end of the pitch Fabinho dinks a pass over the top of the City defence but Mo Salah just isn’t able to keep it in play before the ball rolls over the byline.

Kick off: Man City 0-0 Liverpool

12:32 , Michael Jones

Manchester City get the match underway and work the ball over to the right wing. Andy Robertson collects the loose ball and gives it to Alisson who looks to build a Liverpool attack from the back.

Pre-match thoughts from Jurgen Klopp

12:27 , Michael Jones

“Historically, we have finished strongly,” he said. “But we have had to.

“Last year, we nearly won four trophies; but then this year, the trophies have gone early. That’s a proper thing to bring us down to the ground again and to understand that what we have done in the past was never easy.

“If you do only a little bit less, for whatever reason, it’s gone.”

The Reds have not played since a tame exit from the Champions League at Real Madrid two and a half weeks ago and he says his focus is firmly on finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

“Now it’s clear - top four is the only thing we can really go for,” he said. “We don’t have a perfect position to fight for it and we have to win a lot of games.

“The more we win, the more pressure we put on those above us.”

Can Salah score again?

12:24 , Michael Jones

Mo Salah has scored in all three of Liverpool’s games against Man City this season - the 2-1 Community Shield win, the 1-0 victory at Anfield in the Premier League and the 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat at Etihad Stadium.

The last Liverpool player to score in four games against a team in one campaign was Ian Rush, who netted in five meetings with Everton in 1986/87.

Klopp vs Guardiola

12:20 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp has won 11 of 27 matches as a manager against Pep Guardiola, with the Spaniard claiming nine victories and seven games ending in draws (including those decided by penalty shoot-outs).

Man City vs Liverpool

12:16 , Michael Jones

Victory would ensure Liverpool become the fourth club to record 250 Premier League away wins, after Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Man City vs Liverpool

12:12 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola’s side have won 25 of their previous 27 home matches in league and cup with one draw and one defeat.

A sixth consecutive clean sheet in all competitions would equal their club record, a sequence they last recorded in November and December 2020.

Pre-match thoughts of Pep Guardiola

12:08 , Michael Jones

Man City boss Pep Guardiola talking to BT Sport: “There are a lot of games of football left and a lot of things can happen. We don’t feel as though Arsenal will drop many points but hopefully we can be there as long as possible.

“I would love to be in Arsenal’s position but until the last moment we will fight. We have done it for many, many years. It is step by step, game by game and we will see what happens.

“To be in contention for all the competitions, this is amazing. When you win you have the tendency to drop a bit but we are still there and this makes me happy.”

The untold consequences if Liverpool fail to save their season

12:03 , Michael Jones

The last time Liverpool scored a goal, it was historic. It was also almost four weeks ago: not exactly history, but not particularly recent either. It was when Roberto Firmino made it Liverpool 7 Manchester United 0; it became the biggest victory in their meetings, replacing a 7-1 in the 19th century. It was by far and away Liverpool’s most memorable scoreline in March, but perhaps not their most significant.

If a trip to Bournemouth was sandwiched by the glamour games against United and Real Madrid, a 1-0 defeat told a story of a season in itself. A team who have often shown a capacity to beat the best under Jurgen Klopp can now lose to the worst: like Leeds and Nottingham Forest before them, Bournemouth kicked off in the relegation zone against Liverpool and won. If the evisceration of United had propelled Liverpool back into the position of the favourites to clinch fourth place, the setback on the south coast reframed the debate. They will have to do it the hard way. The last few years indicate Liverpool have the ability to go on extended winning runs. Now, consistently inconsistent, they veer between taking two steps forward and then one back or one step forward and two back.

Now there is the sense that a season with a false start and a troubled middle could come to a premature end. A triple header against Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal could finish off their stuttering attempts to return to the Champions League, especially if Brighton, Newcastle and Tottenham pick up enough points in the meantime. It seems a case of three games to save their campaign, nine days to ensure it isn’t a wasted nine months.

The untold consequences if Liverpool fail to save their season

Man City vs Liverpool

11:58 , Michael Jones

Liverpool are in danger of losing three consecutive fixtures in all competitions without scoring for the first time since 2009.

They have scored 13 goals in as many away league games this season but have failed to net in four of their last five top-flight matches on the road.

Will Man City miss Erling Haaland?

11:53 , Michael Jones

Erling Haaland has scored 42 competitive goals in 37 games for City - the only players to have netted more in a season for a Premier League club are Ruud van Nistelrooy (2002/03) and Mohamed Salah (2017/18), who netted 44 for Manchester United and Liverpool respectively.

Haaland has scored 42% of Man City’s Premier League goals this season (28/67), while his goals have also been worth 20 points to the Citizens.

All three (28 goals, 42% and 20 points) are the highest by a Manchester City player in a single Premier League campaign.

Klopp on resetting after international break

11:48 , Michael Jones

Jurgen Klopp was asked whether the international break came at a good time for Liverpool to reset and attack the last stretch of the season as the target a top four finish.

“For me, yes. I was ready for a few days without analysing this game [in Madrid] again,” he said, “I don’t even have to talk about it anymore but that’s not what we want to be, definitely not.

“I have no problem with getting knocked out by Real Madrid – not that I wouldn’t be used to it in my career – but you can play and lose there and everything but we should show more than we did that night.

“We couldn’t; it’s not that the boys didn’t want to, we couldn’t, and that’s of course my responsibility. But I still don’t like the game. I was ready and I’m ready again, that’s the cool part of it – you need a few days to just let it settle and then go again.

“There’s two months [left in the season]; we can reach a lot for us, or nothing, or whatever, while we are planning already the next season and these kinds of things.

“So, there’s everything in it. This is the start, nothing else, but it’s an important start.”

Guardiola on Haaland’s absence

11:43 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola has spoken to BT Sport ahead of the game and explained why Erling Haaland is not in today’s squad saying:

“He is not fit. He doesn’t feel proper. It is not a big issue but today he was not right.”

Man City vs Liverpool

11:42 , Michael Jones

Manchester City are aiming to win four consecutive league matches for the first time this season.

On the two previous occasions they have won three successive top-flight games this term they have lost their next fixture - including a 1-0 defeat to Liverpool in October.

Man City vs Liverpool team changes

11:37 , Michael Jones

Pep Guardiola makes three changes to the City team that defeated Crystal Palace last time out in the Premier League. Bernardo Silva and Phil Foden are replaced with Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne. Julian Alvarez starts up top as there is no room in the squad for the injured Erling Haaland.

Jurgen Klopp meanwhile swaps out a couple of players from the defeat to Bournemouth. Darwin Nunez and Stefan Bajcetic are replaced with Diogo Jota and Jordan Henderson.

Man City vs Liverpool line-ups

11:31 , Michael Jones

Man City XI: Ederson, Stones, Akanji, Dias, Ake, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Grealish, Alvarez

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Henderson, Elliott, Jota, Salah, Gakpo

Man City vs Liverpool

11:25 , Michael Jones

The fans are starting to arrive at the Etihad Stadium ahead of today’s 12.30pm kick off. Team news is expected shortly and we’ll see if Erling Haaland is fit to start for Manchester City.

Rodri on City’s rivalry with Liverpool

11:20 , Michael Jones

Since Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp took over their respective clubs there has been a nice rivalry built up between Manchester City and Liverpool.

The games are always intense and neither side dominates the other. Though Liverpool are not fighting for the title this season they will still want to defeat City and will pose a big threat for the reigning champions this afternoon.

“The rivalry is always there, no matter what the situation is of each team. It has always been a big rivalry in the last few years,” said City midfielder Rodri, “I think it is going to be one of the toughest games of the season.

“We need to show the best version of ourselves again because we are in the situation where we must win every game. It is going to be a final.

“My first game for City was against Liverpool in the Community Shield which we won. Of course, that year they won the Premier League, then we won it the next few years. They have an unbelievable team.

“We are always fighting against them and have had lots of big games at the Etihad and Anfield. There are lots of memories in the last few years.”

Liverpool summer renewal looms large even as Jurgen Klopp looks to end ‘inconsistency’

11:15 , Michael Jones

Liverpool are to blame. It was Jurgen Klopp’s conclusion and his confession. “We are 100 per cent guilty for everything,” said the German and if, not for the first time, there was an element of exaggeration to an emphatic statement, he was not trying to dodge responsibility for a slide that has surprised him in its scale.

Over four seasons, Liverpool and Manchester City had set standards that had never been maintained for so long in the English game before. They were separated by a solitary point – 358-357, with Pep Guardiola taking one more than Klopp – and fought a fierce rivalry from parallel positions. Not now: while Liverpool are looking for a third victory over City this season when they visit the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, they kick off 19 points behind them, 27 adrift of Arsenal.

Gargantuan gulfs could stand at 22 and 30 respectively by 5pm. “An anomaly, yeah,” Klopp said. “I would prefer it would be 12 points then we were still in the Champions League spot, but it would still be 12 points to City.” Now Liverpool begin an eight-day period when they face City, Chelsea and Arsenal. “It is like a Champions League week,” Klopp said. Get too few points, however, and they could be out of the reckoning for next season’s Champions League.

Liverpool renewal looms large even as Klopp looks to end ‘inconsistency’

Jurgen Klopp on facing Manchester City

11:10 , Michael Jones

As part of his pre-match press duties the Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, previewed what he called a super-important game against Manchester City.

“Yeah, super-important game, that’s the one thing that’s not different to all the other years because obviously for us super-important, for City super-important,” he said.

“So, apart from that, I’m not sure in the moment, I don’t think you could now say it’s nicer to fight for the title or whatever, in the moment it’s just about [that] we have to win football games. And you get usually what you deserve if you work hard enough – and that’s what we try.

“But we know it’s a massive game, a massive week coming up. But for tomorrow obviously they deserve all the attention, we should not think about the other games. That’s how we approach it.

“The boys are now back; some of them trained today the first time, that’s how it is with international duties but it’s no different to City’s situation, for them it’s the same.

“So we will see. It’s clear, against City you have to be on top of your game. You have to defend on a super-high level and you have to play football as well.

“That’s normal, completely normal; with the kind of dominance they can show, it’s really difficult not to forget that in your spells you have to play football as well and that’s what we in the good games always did. That’s it.”

Experience doesn’t count for anything says Guardiola

11:05 , Michael Jones

Manchester City boss, Pep Guardiola, says that having experience of winning close run title races counts for nothing as his team look to chase down Premier League leaders Arsenal this season.

“The past is the past, experience doesn’t count,” he said in the build-up to today’s crucial encounter with Liverpool,

“I hear sometimes players or managers say ‘I don’t have to show anything or demonstrate anything because of what I have done in the past’. It’s the most awful sentence.

“You have to prove it every single day, again and again and again. The past is the past.

“For the memories when you are a grandfather it’s nice but the reality, the people tomorrow will come to the Etihad Stadium and they won’t think about what we have done in the past.

“You have to [do it] again and again. Otherwise you have to retire. I never play a game thinking because of my experience in the past I am going to win this game.

“I think in football, what you have done yesterday doesn’t count for tomorrow.”

Man City vs Liverpool

11:00 , Michael Jones

Liverpool are vying to complete a Premier League double against Manchester City for the third time, having done so in 2005/06 and 2015/16.

The Reds are 19 points behind their opponents in the table - the most they have trailed City immediately before facing them in a Premier League fixture.

Liverpool suffer triple injury blow ahead of Man City clash

10:55 , Michael Jones

Luis Diaz, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita will miss Liverpool’s trip to Manchester City but Darwin Nunez should be fit to feature at the Etihad Stadium.

Winger Diaz, who has been out since October with a knee injury, is back in training but not yet ready to make his comeback while midfielder Thiago is still sidelined by a hip problem.

Keita, who has had an injury-hit season, is out again but forward Nunez is recovering after being hurt in Liverpool’s 1-0 defeat to Real Madrid and missing Uruguay’s March internationals against South Korea and Japan.

Liverpool suffer triple injury blow ahead of Man City clash

Erling Haaland faces late fitness test ahead of Liverpool clash

10:50 , Michael Jones

Erling Haaland faces a fitness test ahead of Manchester City’s Premier League clash with Liverpool on Saturday.

The prolific striker withdrew from Norway’s recent Euro 2024 qualifiers after suffering a groin injury in City’s FA Cup victory over Burnley a fortnight ago.

Haaland, who has scored 42 goals in all competitions this season, will be assessed after City’s final training session ahead of the lunchtime encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Manager Pep Guardiola said at a press conference on Friday: “Erling is recovering. We’ll see this afternoon. The last training is at 4pm and we will see how he feels.”

Erling Haaland injury update issued by Man City ahead of crunch Liverpool clash

Man City vs Liverpool prediction

10:45 , Michael Jones

Despite how close these two sides have been over the last few years Liverpool have fallen off the boil this season. Pep Guardiola’s men are in the hunt to regain their title and with home advantage will be favourites to win this afternoon.

Manchester City should keep up their title chase with a strong win.

Manchester City 3-1 Liverpool

Manchester City vs Liverpool predicted line-ups

10:40 , Michael Jones

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Lewis, Walker, Dias, Laporte; Rodri, De Bruyne, Gundogan; Silva, Haaland, Grealish.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gakpo, Fabinho, Milner; Salah, Jota, Nu

What is the early team news?

10:35 , Michael Jones

After being forced to pull out of Norway’s fixtures during the international break, Erling Haaland is a doubt for Manchester City. The striker suffered a groin injury after scoring a hat-trick against Burnley. Phil Foden recently underwent surgery to have his appendix removed and will be absent.

Liverpool have seen the return of Luis Diaz from an extended injury absence, though he won’t be in the squad this weekend - while Cody Gakpo and Darwin Nunez should be in contention to start. Thiago Alcantara is unlikely to figure, though, while Stefan Bajcetic will miss the remainder of the campaign. Naby Keita is also out.

How to watch Man City vs Liverpool

10:30 , Michael Jones

Manchester City vs Liverpool is due to kick off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday 1 April at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester.

Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the Premier League game live on BT Sport 1, with coverage on the channel from 11.30am BST. Subscribers can stream the game via the BT Sport app or online player.

Man City vs Liverpool

Friday 31 March 2023 14:38 , Michael Jones

Hello and welcome to The Independent’s coverage of today’s mouth-watering Premier League clash between Manchester City and Liverpool.

For the last few years these two teams have been rivals fighting for trophies at the top level of English and European football but Liverpool’s up-and-down season sees them well off the pace in the league this term.

Jurgen Klopp’s men are instead focused on fighting to finish inside the Champions League places and have work to do to close the seven-point gap between them and fourth placed Tottenham.

City meanwhile are still hitting their high standards. They’re challenging Arsenal for the Premier League title but cannot afford to lose any more ground. Coming into the game Pep Guardiola’s men are eight points behind the Gunners though they have a game in hand.

This will be a tight contest but who will come out on top today?