“We’ll see what happens by the end of the season…” Guardiola expresses optimism after City’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool

Mohamed Salah scored one goal and assisted another as Liverpool defeated Guardiola’s team 2-0 at Anfield yesterday night, moving 11 points ahead of them in the standings.

Salah initially missed a chance to score again but secured the victory by converting a penalty after Stefan Ortega fouled Luis Diaz. The Egyptian winger set up Cody Gakpo for the first goal with a great low cross.

Liverpool dominated the match and hit the goalpost twice in the first half. City had their best chance through Kevin De Bruyne, but he could not find the net. This loss marked City’s fourth consecutive defeat in the league.

Presently, Arne Slot’s team sits nine points clear at the top of the Premier League. While City is in fifth place, struggling to defend their title. Although there is still a long season ahead, Liverpool’s win could make it hard for City to catch up.

Liverpool began the match aggressively, with Ortega making some excellent saves to keep City in the game. Virgil van Dijk caused trouble for the City defense from corners, although he did not score himself. He was effective defensively, too, clearing every cross City attempted.

A nine-point lead in December is not insurmountable. Liverpool’s recent victories over Real Madrid and Manchester City have propelled their momentum. These are unusual times for City and Guardiola, who wants to prove himself despite his past achievements.

City had previously squandered a three-goal lead in a match against Feyenoord. Thus, they entered this game as underdogs. Guardiola made changes to his lineup, bringing in Ortega to replace Ederson and welcoming back Ruben Dias from injury.

Despite trying to stabilize their performance in the second half, City failed to pose any real threat to Liverpool’s solid defense. Asides from a late chance for De Bruyne.

At the end and during the match, Guardiola repeatedly reminded everyone of City’s past successes by showing six fingers. Representing the six Premier League titles he has won. However, for City to have a successful season now, they will need a significant turnaround.

Pep Guardiola said post match: “The first 15-20 minutes they were unstoppable, they started so strong, we tried to play with a lot of control and passes, but it was difficult to take it.

“They deserved the first goal, but we started the first half so well and played well in the second half without too much threat. I know how strong Liverpool are in both boxes.

“I congratulate them and we’ll reset and start from zero and it is difficult to believe it. I rely a lot on these players, I know they are doing in this position. We’ll see what happens by the end of the season.”

On the other hand, Arne Slot said “If you want to win against City you have to be perfect in every part of the game. High press, low press, build-up. They bring so many problems to you. We came close to perfection, we weren’t perfect but we came close to perfection.

“That’s the only way to beat a quality team like City. I don’t think anyone, including me, would have predicted this. I knew Jurgen [Klopp] left the team in a very good place. But still, to win so much with all the difficult teams we have played already is not something you could predict at the start of the season.

“But, like I say, I saw Arsenal yesterday and Chelsea today and I saw City, they will come back because these teams have so much quality. They could go on the same run as us. So we have to stay sharp and focused.”