Liverpool's unstoppable decline
Perhaps the most accurate summary of Liverpool's turbulent season so far came in the second half at the Etihad. The home team's fans turned their backs and performed the iconic "Poznan" celebration.
For Liverpool, the scene of their traditional opponents enjoying such resounding victories marked a new turning point in a campaign full of ups and downs. After a promising week when The Kop defeated Aston Villa and Real Madrid, the match against Man City is clearly a huge challenge.
In the end, the defeat came in the first half, when Liverpool could not repeat quality and the determination helped them lose Madrid in the middle of the week. Coach Arne Slot may point out that luck is not on his team's side.
Man City's early penalty was brushed off by Giorgi Mamardashvili, which seemed like a harsh decision, while Virgil van Dijk's controversial goal was also disallowed. This was a goal that could have balanced the score 1-1 in the first half for the away team.
However, the reality is that Liverpool have not played well enough this season. After 11 Premier League games, they have suffered five defeats - more than last season.
The defeat to Man City left the "Red Brigade" 4 points behind Guardiola's team and 8 points behind leaders Arsenal. If they can't find the spirit that helped them win the championship last season, Liverpool can quickly realize that their two biggest opponents have left themselves behind.
When Liverpool's defense is no longer a mainstay
As Liverpool drew close to an impressive victory over Real Madrid, Conor Bradley's name echoed throughout Anfield. The Kop fans did not hesitate to praise this right-back after the performance that could be considered the most impressive of his career, with his excellent defense to stop the elite Vinicius.
Unfortunately for Liverpool, Bradley could not maintain his impressive form against Man City and became part of the defense struggling to stop Jeremy Doku.
Alongside him, Ibrahima Konate also had a difficult afternoon, allowing Haaland to take the lead in the opening goal, while Andrew Robertson was replaced by Milos Kerkez early in the second half.
After two consecutive clean sheets against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, this is a reminder that Liverpool still have a lot of work to do in defense if they want to save the season.
The return of goalkeeper Alisson Becker after the international break will help strengthen confidence, but loose defense could be the main reason for The Kop's failures this season.
They played better than us in every aspect in the first half. The 2-0 lead at half-time accurately reflected the game. Of course, everyone was disappointed. We have a lot of work to do. If they want to compete for the title, Liverpool need to improve every aspect, from tactics, spirit to efficiency on the pitch, Slot said after the defeat to Man City.
Salah's best days seem to have passed
If last season, Mohamed Salah had one of his most impressive performances for Liverpool against Man City at the Etihad, this season, his decline has been apparent.
In February this year, against Man City, the Egyptian scored the opening goal for Liverpool and assisted Dominik Szoboszlai to score the second goal, helping the team get closer to the championship. However, Salah struggled against a formidable opponent, Nico O'Reilly in the last match.
It must be admitted that the 33-year-old fought to the end, even after missing a great chance late in the second half. Despite scoring in Liverpool's last two Premier League games (against Brentford and Aston Villa), he has been a shadow of himself against Man City.
Recent appearances have shown Salah is still capable of contributing, but his latest performance proves that his time as a key player for Liverpool is gradually coming to an end.
