In a thrilling encounter led by dynamic managers Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp, both teams showcased exceptional skill, making it one of the season’s standout games.
Manchester City took the lead with a well-executed set piece by Kevin de Bruyne, finished by John Stones, indicating meticulous planning in training, with Nathan Ake playing a key role in the execution.
Upon review of the VAR, Mike Dean noted that Alexis Mac Allister was actually pulling Nathan Ake, negating any potential foul against the City player in the setup of their clever corner goal.
Dean told the BBC: “When you see it from behind the goal Alexis Mac Allister is pulling Nathan Ake towards himself, there is nothing wrong with the goal – it’s a clever corner from Man City.”
The match between Liverpool and Manchester City was filled with key moments, including Alexis Mac Allister, a £35m acquisition, successfully converting a crucial penalty right after the halftime break.
This game, rich in discussion points, saw a rare consensus among fans on a former referee’s insight, with Mike Dean’s analysis on a contentious play earning nods for its accuracy.