Ruben Dias regained his top form against Liverpool following a shaky display against Chelsea, which saw Manchester City concede the most goals in a single match since his arrival at the club.
Since his arrival in 2020, the Portuguese center-back has been a revelation, stepping into the shoes of Vincent Kompany when it seemed improbable. Despite their tough defensive reputation, Dias and Kompany possess exceptional footballing intelligence, making them well-suited for the game.
Against Liverpool, Dias displayed all the attributes expected from a defender—blocks, tackles, interceptions, and vocal encouragement for his teammates, celebrating whenever the defense held strong.
Aside from his defensive prowess, Dias played a crucial role in City’s offensive moves, contributing significantly to catch Liverpool off-guard in the match.
The game began cautiously, both teams sizing each other up, avoiding mistakes, and preventing the opposition from gaining an advantage. However, a critical moment arose when Alisson misplayed a ball intended for Mo Salah, leading to Nathan Ake’s opportunity, assisted by Dias, who directed Ake on the field.
While Dias’ guidance was commendable, Ake’s skillful movement resulted in a goal past Alisson. In this encounter, players like Ake, Bernardo Silva, and Ederson, alongside Dias, shone brightly.
Ake’s performance, often overshadowed by others like Grealish, was notable, particularly his assist for Haaland and his remarkable defensive display against Salah.
The match highlighted City’s need for a collective effort, given injuries and absences affecting the team. Despite the close game and occasional chances, City couldn’t secure a win, ultimately ending their 23-match winning streak at home.
The absence of bench depth was evident, impacting Guardiola’s substitutions and options during the game. Klopp’s ability to bring on five replacements contrasted with City’s limited choices, indicating a need for more squad depth.
City must address this issue as the season progresses, as relying on a small group of players may prove challenging over the long Premier League campaign. While individual brilliance remains crucial, City cannot rely on only a few key players to carry them through the season.
