What a return to normality that was from Liverpool and Manchester City.
After the World Cup break, both Premier League giants returned to competitive domestic action tonight for the Carabao Cup.
Liverpool named a weakened XI for their visit to Pep Guardiola’s side who, despite starting Erling Haaland, were also under strength by design.
The game ended 3-2 to the hosts following a rip-roaring 90 minutes at the Etihad Stadium.
Minutes after the restart, Riyad Mahrez fired City back into a 2-1 lead, after Haaland’s opener was cancelled out by Fabio Carvalho in the first half.
And Jamie Carragher has blamed Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson for being chiefly responsible.
He said live on Sky Sports [47 mins]: “Robertson wasn’t quite tight enough. But it’s all about the first touch from Mahrez. He didn’t even have to look up after that touch.”
Mohamed Salah equalised for Liverpool yet again, cancelling out Mahrez’s strike.
But Nathan Ake scored the decisive goal following another brilliant assist from Kevin De Bruyne, who was sensational throughout.
Liverpool might feel secretly relieved at being eliminated.
Yes, they were the reigning champions and all, but Diogo Jota and Luis Diaz are out until well into 2023, and Roberto Firmino was injured tonight too.
In short, Klopp just doesn’t have the squad to cope with another domestic competition right now and at least this way there’s less stress on the group.
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