Liverpool ends Manchester City's unbeaten run

Liverpool ended Manchester City's unbeaten record and dominated at Anfield, especially in the early stages of the second half, against Pep Guardiola's team, who came close to equalizing in a courageous late surge (4-3).

The 'Citizens', undisputed leaders of the Premier League, took twenty-three matches to suffer their first defeat in England. City had twenty wins and two draws before their visit to Liverpool, just like in the FA Cup and League Cup, where they had successfully overcome each of their challenges.

Their only previous loss in the season came at the Allianz Arena in Munich, where they were defeated by Bayern on December 6th (2-1) after already securing first place in their group.

But at Anfield, they couldn't hide their inferiority against a more motivated opponent, who unleashed their potential after halftime. Despite being superior in the first half, Manchester City fell behind in the 9th minute, when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain scored a goal. Oxlade-Chamberlain received the ball in midfield, overcame every opponent in his path, and from the edge of the box, unleashed a shot that was out of reach for Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.

City reacted like true leaders. They surrounded Liverpool's area and found the equalizer just before halftime, thanks to a well-placed pass from Kyle Walker to Leroy Sane. Sane entered the box, got rid of his marker, and beat Loris Karius at his near post.

However, everything changed after the break. The Reds came out with greater ambition and dismantled a previously unstoppable opponent.

Before the hour mark, the home team launched an onslaught. In the 59th minute, a pass from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to Roberto Firmino showcased the Brazilian attacker's qualities, as he held off his defender and unleashed a shot that surprised Ederson.

Two minutes later, Liverpool had a chance to score the third goal, with Sadio Mané hitting the post, but he didn't miss his following opportunity. In the 61st minute, he took advantage of an assist from Egyptian Mohamed Salah to send the ball into the top corner.

The home team's onslaught didn't stop there. In the 68th minute, a poor clearance from Ederson landed at Salah's feet, who had initiated the play. With the goalkeeper out of position, Salah scored a lobbed shot that found the back of the net.

The punishment could have been worse for Manchester City, but they managed to reduce the deficit six minutes before the end. A loose ball inside the box found Bernardo Silva, who fired it into the goal.

In the final stretch, City showed their pride and in the first minute of added time, they scored again to make it 4-3, courtesy of a goal from German midfielder Ilkay Guendogan. The goal brought hope to Pep Guardiola's team, but time was not on their side to complete the comeback.