Home ›› 24 Dec 2022 ›› Sport
Nathan Ake’s header proved decisive as Manchester City knocked holders Liverpool out of the League Cup in a dramatic 3-2 win at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
This last-16 clash marked the return to competitive action of two of English football’s heavyweights following the World Cup break with City’s Kevin De Bruyne the outstanding player in a high-class field.
Premier League champions City twice led through Erling Haaland and Riyad Mahrez, only for Liverpool to waste little time in drawing level thanks to goals from Fabio Carvalho and Mohamed Saleh.
But after Ake made it 3-2 shortly before the hour mark, the visitors were unable to fashion a third equaliser.
“After the World Cup and a long time of not playing, both teams were incredible with high level and intensity,” City manager Pep Guardiola told Sky Sports.
“Liverpool are so difficult, when they play good they destroy you.”
Liverpool, however, were level within 10 minutes when Carvalho finished from a James Milner cross after the former City midfielder was allowed too much room in the penalty area.
But Liverpool fell behind again before either of the two substitutes could get into the game. Mahrez fired home from the right side of the penalty area following a cross by Rodri.
City’s lead, however, evaporated just over a minute later as Nunez sprinted past Laporte down the left, with Salah making light of a mediocre centre to draw Liverpool level at 2-2.
But a rollercoaster contest then saw City go ahead for the third time when, after a quickly-taken corner, Ake powered in a 58th-minute header from a superb pinpoint cross by the outstanding De Bruyne.
