Mith Panchal
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City and Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool have established one of the most captivating rivalries in recent football history.
Their encounters are often high-octane, fiercely contested, and significantly impact the Premier League title race.
The departure of Jurgen Klopp marks an end of an era for this rivalry, thus we look into five of the most captivating Liverpool vs. Manchester City clashes in the Premier League during this period:
Klopp vs Guardiola: The Best Matches of the City-Pool Era
5. Manchester City 1-4 Liverpool (November 2015): Klopp’s Anfield Announcement
This early encounter in Klopp’s reign at Liverpool marked a turning point for the Reds. Facing a formidable City side at the Etihad, the visitors showcased a breathtaking attacking performance.
A calamitous own goal by Eliaquim Mangala set the tone, followed by clinical finishes from Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino within the first half-hour. Martin Skrtel’s thunderous volley in the second half sealed the victory, silencing the home crowd and announcing Klopp’s arrival with a bang.
4. Liverpool 4-3 Manchester City (January 2018): A Goal-Fest at Anfield
This match, dubbed a “Premier League classic,” lived up to its billing. An unbeaten City side arrived at Anfield, but Liverpool had other plans.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s stunning long-range strike put the Reds ahead, only for Leroy Sane to equalize for City.
The second half was a whirlwind of action. Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane, and Mohamed Salah scored within ten minutes of each other, putting Liverpool in a seemingly comfortable position.
However, City refused to surrender, with Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gündogan pulling two goals back late. Despite the late scare, Liverpool held on for a memorable victory.
3. Manchester City 5-0 Liverpool (September 2017): City’s Masterclass
This encounter belonged solely to Manchester City. They were at their ruthless best, dismantling a 10-man Liverpool side with a dominant display.
Sergio Aguero opened the scoring midway through the first half, and things went downhill for the Reds after Sadio Mane received a red card just before half-time.
City capitalized ruthlessly in the second half, with Gabriel Jesus, and Leroy Sane, adding their names to the scoresheet. This resounding victory showcased City’s immense potential under Pep Guardiola.
2. A Title Decider at the Etihad (April 16th, 2022)
With the Premier League title hanging in the balance, Liverpool traveled to the Etihad for a high-stakes clash in April 2022. The game lived up to its billing, with both teams showcasing their attacking prowess.
Kevin De Bruyne gave City an early lead in the 5th minute, but Diogo Jota responded within 10 minutes, restoring parity. City regained the lead just before half-time through Gabriel Jesus, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.
Sadio Mane equalized for Liverpool in the second half, ensuring a nervy finish. Both teams had opportunities to win, but the score remained 2-2 at the final whistle. This result ultimately handed the title to City by a single point, highlighting the fine margins separating these two giants.
1. A Night of Champions: Aguero’s Heroics and Stones’ Redemption (January 3rd, 2019)
The Etihad Stadium witnessed a potential title decider in January 2019. Sergio Aguero’s first-half strike put City ahead, Liverpool, however, refused to crumble. They equalized in the second half through Roberto Firmino, setting up a tense finale.
Just as Liverpool seemed to be gaining momentum, Leroy Sane restored City’s lead in the 72nd minute.
However, the most dramatic moment of the game occurred a few minutes earlier. John Stones produced a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Roberto Firmino, which arguably saved the match and ultimately, the title for City.
Despite the late drama, City held on to win 2-1, moving three points clear at the top of the table and eventually winning the league title with just a 1-point advantage on the last matchday. This victory, combined with Stones’ heroic clearance, is etched in the memory of both sets of fans.
Conclusion
Jurgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool marks the end of an era for one of the most captivating rivalries in football history.
Their encounters with Manchester City under Pep Guardiola have consistently delivered high-octane drama, tactical brilliance, and moments etched in Premier League folklore.
While the future of this rivalry remains to be written, the past decade leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable clashes that will continue to be cherished by fans for years to come.
