Liverpool host Premier League title rivals Manchester City at Anfield next weekend, and Gary Neville has explained to Arne Slot the perfect plan to ensure victory
The 2024/25 Premier League campaign seems to be going from good to great for Liverpool as each week passes. Without Arne Slot's men even kicking a ball this weekend, Manchester City have given them something to smile about.
Pep Guardiola's side went into the November international break on a four-game losing streak in all competitions. Two of those were in the Premier League, allowing the Reds to build a five-point advantage at the top.
Slot will have his team zeroed in on their own trip to Southampton on Sunday before listening to any outside noise or looking further down the fixture list, but the result at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening was too outstanding to ignore.
A fifth loss on the bounce at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur left the reigning champions with their tails between their legs. As a result Liverpool have the chance to move eight points in front of their rivals.
And if they are able to do that, next Sunday's clash with Man City at Anfield would have an even greater prize on offer - the chance to move 11 points clear in top spot.
Looking at Man City's latest defeat, they were seemingly lifted by the manager's contract extension and controlled the opening 10 minutes, only to be hit by a double sucker punch from James Maddison.
On commentary duty for Sky Sports, Gary Neville pointed out that their midfield failures had allowed Spurs to gain the advantage.
"The control Man City usually play the game with and the order has gone. They’re still good on the ball, they’re still playing decent football but when they give it away things aren’t the same," the pundit explained.
"It just doesn’t look like the answer - this cocktail of midfield players he has picked today looks quite vulnerable against quick play and innovative play by this Spurs team."
Guardiola is without Ballon d'Or winner Rodri for the season, whilst the man who has been providing cover, Mateo Kovacic, is also a doubt for the Anfield clash. He was using Ilkay Gundogan and Rico Lewis as a makeshift alternative.
Seemingly if Liverpool can win the midfield battle next week, they can beat their great rivals at home for the first time in five years.
Neville also highlighted how Spurs defended after their second goal, which the Reds can also take into consideration.
"What Spurs have done in the last 15 minutes [since 2-0] is they’ve made City go around them rather than allowing them to go through - City were getting through them in those first 10 minutes and now they’re having to sort of recycle it and play across midfield, across the back four," he added.
Pedro Porro added a third and Brennan Johnson a fourth goal for the visitors in the second half, rounding off a miserable night for those in sky blue.