Roy Keane had no sympathy for Joe Gomez after the Liverpool defender had 45 minutes to forget during Thursday night’s 4-0 thrashing away at Manchester City, speaking during Sky Sports’ live coverage (2 July, 8pm).
It is not often the newly crowned champions are thumped by four goals to nil.
But, in truth, such an eye-catching result is not quite as surprising as it initially seems.
With their first ever Premier League title secured, it is only natural that Liverpool would take their foot off the gas somewhat, even subconsciously.
And a performance of anything less than 100 per cent was always going to be punished by a rampant City side with a point to prove.
Prove it they most certainly did.
A Kevin de Bruyne and Raheem Sterling masterclass sealed a thumping win for the deposed champions and it was Gomez who bore the brunt at an echoing Etihad.
The England international went from classy to calamitous at the Etihad, gifting City a penalty for De Bruyne’s opener before being led a merry dance as Sterling doubled the lead.
“He deserves to be punished for being so clumsy. It’s been a tough first half for Gomez,” said the always outspoken Keane.
“Liverpool pressed really well in the first 20 minutes, Liverpool are trying and the pressure is there. But City have looked very dangerous on the break.”
It was no surprise, then, that Gomez did not reappear for the second 45, subbed off at the break as a clearly frustrated Jurgen Klopp pushed Fabinho into his place at centre-back.
And with Liverpool having been linked with a host of talented centre-halves in recent weeks, the 23-year-old will be hoping to prove that this was merely a one-off.
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