Welcome to the LFC Final Word. In this series, I provide an in-depth analysis of games from a Liverpool supporter's perspective.

Match Facts

Manchester City vs Liverpool

Etihad

Thursday 3rd January, 20:00

Result

Manchester City 2 - 1 Liverpool

Betting Results

X2: loss

Match Summary

Sadly, Manchester City ended Liverpool's unbeaten record in the Premier League this season in a frantic match that could have ended so differently. Sadio Mane's early chance fell millimetres away from putting the Reds in front and it really felt like it just wasn't going to be Liverpool's day from that point onward. I can't have too many complaints here as Manchester City played well and looked hungry to win tonight. In all honesty, this never really felt like a must-win game for Liverpool who would have been somewhat surprised to find themselves 7 points clear of last season's champions at this stage of the season. Liverpool have been almost faultless so far in the Premier League campaign, but the same can be said for Manchester City until their recent shocking run of form that saw them lose 3 games in quick succession.

Something that surprised me somewhat this evening was Klopp's decision to play a midfield of Henderson, Wijnaldum, and Milner. Sure, it's the 'safe' option, although that didn't really play out in the end, but this felt like an opportunity for Liverpool to just go for it and see what would happen. A midfield of Fabinho, Wijnaldum, and Shaqiri would have perhaps been a more aggressive approach, and although that team could have lost, it stands to reason that there would have been much more creativity in the midfield which would have ultimately helped to link to the attacking players up top.

A questionable moment of the game was the yellow card handed to Kompany who many believe should have seen a straight red card for his reckless tackle on Salah. Would that have changed the outcome? Perhaps, but there's no point in dwelling on that kind of thing. Ultimately, the better team won this evening and there's no real shame in being beaten by the current champions away from home. There were some questionable performances in the team, notably Lovren, Henderson, and Wijnaldum, but overall the Reds gave a decent account of themselves in a tough fixture.

The Final Word

Liverpool remain 4 points clear at the top of the table. Ask any Liverpool supporter if they'd have thought we'd be in this position at the start of the season and most would say no. The odds for Liverpool to lift the Premier League title haven't changed drastically as a result of this loss. In truth, Manchester City were favourites to win this game and that has been factored into the odds already. Liverpool to win the title was available at around 1.63 before the game and are currently at 1.93. A slight dip, but nothing Klopp's team should be concerned with.

The Reds now have a favourable run of fixtures and the best course of medicine for this defeat is to get back to winning ways immediately. The title race isn't over by a long stretch, but Liverpool are in a great position and just need to keep doing what they've done all season. A helping hand from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, and Arsenal would be appreciated when they face off against Manchester City. This one stings a little but it's not over.