Liverpool's performance did not disappoint judging from the two strong teams in a row.
Building on the foundation that had matured last season, they went one step further in the new season. The team neither relaxed nor slacked off after their brilliant achievements, nor did they make major mistakes in construction.
In particular, Comain was satisfied that the vigorous temperament that the team honed and cultivated could promote Liverpool's progress.
Manchester City put more energy into defense again. The two teams were often caught in a scramble for the ball. The game was not particularly good because Manchester City's main offense was destruction. Not only could they not play a smooth offense, but it also made it difficult for Liverpool to play a quicksilver offense as they wished.
At the end of the first half, there was an atmosphere of disappointment in the Etihad Stadium.
The Manchester City fans naturally hoped that the team could be like Chelsea in the past and soar with the financial support of a strong backer.
But they did not take down Tottenham Hotspur in the first round and fell behind to Liverpool by two goals in the second round at home.
Manchester City was part of the group that was vying for the title?
It seemed that the season had just begun and the arrival of the Red Army told the world with their actions: Manchester City wanted to win the title? Stop kidding.
In the second half, the two teams changed sides and fought again.
The game was intense, but not exciting enough.
Qin Xiong and Richards clashed in the 57th minute of the game.
When Richards used a dangerous tackle to put Qin Xiong to the ground along with the ball, Qin Xiong, who was dissatisfied with Manchester City's successive fouls, exploded in an instant.
He roared angrily at Richards.
"Boy, you'd better behave yourself! Your behavior can't hurt me, but it will dirty your image! "
In fact, Qin Xiong was only three years older than Richards, but in Qin Xiong's eyes, a rising star like Richards was really a "young boy."
Richards indignantly argued with Qin Xiong. The players from both teams rushed over and stood opposite each other. The atmosphere was tense, and the smell of gunpowder was thick.
The referee came over and separated the players from the two teams. Then, he called Richards and Qin Xiong in front of him. First, he said some routine words to the two of them. Then, he showed Qin Xiong a yellow card. Before Qin Xiong could protest, the referee showed Richards a red card!
"Oh no, Richards has paid the price for his reckless and dangerous tackle!
He was sent off with a red card. Manchester City is one player short. "
"This is almost the end of the game. Liverpool will take the three points at the Etihad Stadium."
Mancini was fuming on the sidelines. He was very angry at Richards' hot-headed actions. At this time, he still had to make a substitution. He could only reluctantly take off David Silva and bring in full back Zabaleta to maintain the tight defensive formation.
But after this substitution, the Manchester City team, with one less player, lost their momentum.
They did not even have any hope of equalizing the score.
As Manchester City was one less player in the attack, Liverpool would no longer be afraid of Manchester City's midfield encirclement because the two full backs could freely shuttle up and down to assist. Liverpool's attack could further take advantage of the width of the field.
Manchester City fell into a passive position. They were completely powerless to fight back against Liverpool's oppressive attack.
In the 74th minute of the game, Qin Xiong received Aurelio's pass in front of the penalty area.
He took two steps to cross the ball in front of the penalty area and looked like he was going to do a long shot. But his ankle shook and he sent a straight kick.
Raúl and Torres ran in the penalty area to tear apart the defensive line and provide cover for Gerard, who plugged in from behind.
Gerard plugged in front of the penalty area to lead the ball. Then, he used the outside of his right foot to shoot the ball into the bottom left corner of the goal.
Joe Hart was really depressed in this game. He made a lot of wonderful saves, but he still let Liverpool score the third goal.
Gerard smiled and gave Qin Xiong a thumbs up after the goal. Then, the Red Army players started to celebrate at the Etihad Stadium.
Comain was relieved. After applauding, he turned and walked to the technical area to sit down. He could drink water in peace.
Mancini sat with a helpless expression. Although he had taken over Manchester City for more than half a year, the team's run-in period was longer than expected because of the new players joining in the summer.
It might not be obvious against an average opponent, but against a top opponent like Liverpool, mistakes could not be made. In Manchester City's game, not only did Liverpool seize the weakness, but they also made a lot of mistakes.
"Liverpool has locked in the victory! The Red Army captain, Gerard, also broke his fast. He scored his first goal of the season.
Qin Xiong provided him with an assist. This goal allowed Liverpool to firmly win the game. Manchester City has no chance, no chance! "
Two minutes later, Liverpool made a substitution. Comain replaced Raúl with Kuyt, then replaced Alonso with Lucas, and finally replaced Qin Xiong with Babel.
Liverpool steadily played a defensive counterattack. Their formation contracted a little to give Manchester City a chance to breathe, but also to consume as much time as possible in the game.
Manchester City was in a state of torment, like a trapped beast fighting. They were helpless against the Red Army who had stabbed them three times!
Only the Red Army fans' singing echoed in the stands at the Etihad Stadium. The Blue Moon fans seemed to have been drained of all the vitality in their bodies as they watched the game numbly.
They had reason to be disappointed.
They had invested more than 100 million pounds in the summer for two seasons in a row. This was definitely an investment at the level of a powerhouse club. As a result, the team was crushed by a traditional powerhouse at home!
That's right, Liverpool crushed Manchester City today!
The strength and brutality they showed made the Blue Moon feel powerless and helpless!
When the final whistle sounded, the Red Army fans in the stands collectively shouted.
The sound shook the surroundings!
"The game is over. Liverpool defeated Manchester City in the away game by 3: 0. The defending champions have won two games in a row and their performance continues to be stable. Manchester City, on the other hand, has only won one point in the new season. They are five points behind the top two teams. It seems that their start is not good. The pressure on Mancini's shoulders has increased. Manchester City still has a long way to go to break the suppression of the traditional powerhouses!"
Comain stood up and shook hands with Mancini, and then walked to the players' tunnel.
Qin Xiong was blunt about the conflict between him and Richards in an interview after the game. "I can understand that some opponents fouled me because it was a tactical foul. As long as the goal of the foul was achieved, it was enough. This is a very common phenomenon on the football field. But some players' fouls are not. I don't care if he was hot-headed or if he did it on purpose. I don't agree with that kind of dirty, irresponsible and hurtful behavior.
I know some people will say that I'm complaining, but I need to make such a sound because I'm defending myself! "
Richards expressed his innocence after the game and shifted the blame to Qin Xiong. He thought that Qin Xiong's overreaction was not calm.
The Football Association stood on Liverpool's side in this incident. They began to investigate Richards' foul and may extend his suspension.
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