ELITE FOOTY FOR SURE

Manchester City were looking for another statement of intent to build on their fantastic victory against Chelsea last week. The holders were hoping for the same performance and outcome as they travelled to Anfield to face probable title contenders Liverpool. The Reds who themselves slugged out a 3-3 draw against newly promoted Brentford would hope for a better outcome against the champions.

The first half was dominated by City as they created opportunities but were unable to find an opening. Liverpool struggled at times to keep up with the pace and let’s be honest, James Milner was having a torrid time playing at right back for Liverpool and would have been glad to hear the half time whistle. De Bruyne had a clear chance, however, the Belgium international direct his header wide which spared the Reds (a player of that calibre should be converting those).

As the second half wore on, Foden continued to probe and probe the Liverpool defence and the England forward was relentless in the continued torment of Milner (that man was knackerred). However, Liverpool’s approach was nothing like the first half. Klopp’s half time team talk seemed to galvanise the players as they attacked and kept possession of the ball. Their endeavour paid off when Salah broke free and played an inch perfect through to Mane who calmly dispatch his effort to give the home side the lead ii the 59th minute as the Anfield hopefuls erupted into jubilation.

Liverpool were certainly not the better team, however, when the opportunity presented itself, they capitalised clinically. The pendulum seemed to have swung in Liverpool’s favour as they searched for a second goal. Man City showed incredible spirit and fought back, reminding us why they are the current champions. City’s best player on the night Foden, levelled for the away side as he expertly found the back of the net (a well-deserved goal indeed!).

The tempo of the game was raised even higher as both teams chased that all important 3 points. That moment finally came when Liverpool’s Egyptian magician Salah, danced his way through the Man City defence before slotting home in of the post (an absolute genius of a goal). Salah’s effort in the 76th minute will definitely be ranked in the top 3 goals of the season for sure. The game wasn’t over by any stretch as De Bruyne equalised in the 81^st minute thanks to a deflection off Liverpool defender Matip. The following minutes of the game was nothing short of entertaining free flowing football as both sides pushed and search for that elusive winner. Rodri saved City’s blushes with a goal saving clearance from Fabinho (should have scored).

Elsewhere, Watford Manager Xisco Munoz was sacked by the club following Watford’s 1-0 defeat to Leeds. However, the club appointed Claudio Ranieri within 24 hours as the perfect replacement. This appointment makes Ranieri the 13^th manager appointed by Watford in 9 years. We are all aware of Ranieri’s history and Watford fans and supporters alike will be hoping for a similar spark that gifted Leicester City their first and only Premier League title (I very doubt history repeating itself and I wouldn’t hold my breath).

Also, Spurs were back to winning ways having been crushed heavily in their last 3 league matches. Defeats against Crystal Palace, Chelsea and Arsenal have seen Tottenham fall down the pecking order in recent weeks therefore the 2-1 win against Aston Villa at the weekend was a very much needed and welcomed outcome. Son once again proving why he is regarded by many as Spur’s best player. Hopefully the team can kick on from here on it but football is a funny old game.

Brentford continued their impressive maiden season with a last minute winner against West ham with the game ending 2-1 to the visitors. Super-sub Wissa with the winner in injury time. There were victories for Chelsea who beat Southampton 3-1 and Wolves who beat Newcastle 2-1.  Arsenal could only manage a goalless draw against Brighton whilst Crystal Palace and Leicester City drew 2-2.