Manchester City travel to Anfield on New Year’s Eve searching for a fourth straight success in the Premier League. After our inconsistency earlier in the season, the Blues’ run of wins against Watford, Arsenal and Hull have come as a welcome break from the Guardiola critics and although doubts remain over the reliability of our defence, there are signs that the Spaniard does know what he’s doing.
However, if Guardiola is aware of City’s history, then he’ll know that the red half of Merseyside has not been a place where the Blues pick up their fair share of points. Certainly in my lifetime, I cannot remember us winning there. Last season’s humiliating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Jurgen Klopp’s men epitomized our dire run of form at Anfield. Our League Cup final win over the Reds that season healed a few of the wounds and acted as some kind of remorse, but if there is one other thing that I could tick off my Guardiola wishlist- and there are a lot of things- it would be a morale boosting win in front of the Kop.
City have played Liverpool 204 times, winning 53, drawing 51, and losing 100. It is hoped that that a certain number changes to 54 by the time 2017 comes knocking, but a draw certainly wouldn’t be a bad result from our perspective, with our frequently changed defence up against a team who have knocked in over 40 goals already this term. We have the quality to grab a win there- but our defence is our obvious stumbling block.
Having done my research, surprisingly, I was alive when City last tasted success at Anfield. 13 years ago.
The 3rd of May 2003 was the date and 2-1 was the score-line. Liverpool took the lead through Milan Baros just prior to the hour mark, but it was that famous double from main man Nicolas Anelka which propelled City to victory deep into stoppage time. The following season in 2004, City lost the fixture 2-1, beginning a run of nine league visits to Anfield- each resulting in defeat.
YouTube: Anelka’s last gasp goal Vs. Liverpool (2003)
Our home form against the Reds has been slightly more pleasant- beating them five times at the Etihad since that superb day in 2003- but a visit to Anfield still fills City fans with that feeling of doubt; and that is something Guardiola is here to fix.
City are boosted by the return of star striker Sergio Aguero after his four match suspension. The Argentine should be fit and firing to have a go at Liverpool’s back line, who aren’t perfect themselves it has to be said. Furthermore, Coutinho’s lay-off could prove to be a good omen for City. It feels like the Brazilian has scored in every game against the Blues dating back to the first one in 1893 in the old Division Two, so his absence may well hand a little advantage to City in terms of firepower up front.
It’ll certainly be an interesting encounter, and one which will showcase both sides’ title credentials, with Chelsea enjoying success at the top of the league as it stands.
I do try and stay as neutral as I can when writing articles, but for the love of Nicolas Anelka- come on City.
