Manchester City became the first team to inflict a defeat on Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool this season in the Premier League. The hosts edged the league leaders 2-1 with goals from Sergio Aguero and Leroy Sane providing them all three points.
One of his favourite opponents at home, Aguero has made a habit of scoring against the Reds and Thursday night was no different.
We take a look at the Argentine’s performance in detail as part of our player focus.
KEY STATS
Minutes: 90
Goals: 1
Assists: 0
Shots (on target): 2 (2)
Pass (accurate): 24 (20)
Dribbles: 0
Tackles: 1
Dispossessed: 1
30-SECOND REPORT
Aguero was not at his brilliant best but a moment of madness was all it took to provide a boost to City’s title race. Neat with his passing, build-up involvement and pressing, the forward’s stock rose when he received a ball from Bernardo Silva in a tight angle and squeezed it past Allisson with a sublime finish.
The second half was more about misses than hits for the Argentine and he could have done better in a lot of situations. But at the end of the day, the goal will standout as his highlight from the game.
Sergio Aguero.
GOT RIGHT
Pressing: The Argentine was intelligent and effective with his pressing. Like Johan Cruyff said, “You don’t have the ball for about 87 minutes in a game and it is what you do in those 87 minutes that defines you as a player”. Aguero pressed well and made some brilliant runs into the box. The forward kept the Liverpool backline on their toes and forced Alisson to kick the ball out of touch in the initial stages of the game.
Aguero’s role in Sane’s goal deserves recognition. The forward made an incisive run away from the direction of the ball to pull Dejan Lovren towards him and free up space for the German.
GOT WRONG
Decision making: For all his attacking flair, pressing and involvement in build-up, Aguero looked like he was not at his best when it came to decision making. The Argentine took it wide very often when he had an opportunity to go narrow.
The 30-year-old was also handed an opportunity to get City’s insurance goal late into the second half when he was through on goal but failed to get the ball past a charging Alisson.
VERDICT
Aguero followed up a splendid first half performance with a sub-par second half effort. However, he did play a crucial role in ensuring that City are still in the title race and deserves massive credit for that.
RATING: 7/10