‘They are so fast’: Pep Guardiola mentions five Liverpool players who were particularly tough for Manchester City to handle…

Pep Guardiola points out five Liverpool players that Manchester City struggled to contend with.

Pep Guardiola identifies five Liverpool players that posed significant challenges for Manchester City, stating, “They are incredibly fast.”

Once, Manchester City’s attacking lineup was the envy of Europe and the Premier League, but that title has shifted to Liverpool.

The difference between the two teams was striking.

With Erling Haaland and Phil Foden effectively neutralized, the lack of creativity from Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis, positioned on the flanks, stood in sharp contrast to Liverpool’s dynamic blend of intensity, speed, and explosiveness.

During Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City, which widened their lead over the champions to 11 points, it appeared as if the teams were engaged in entirely different sports.

It resembled an overly enthusiastic child in a park, carelessly kicking a ball into Pep Guardiola’s chess game, sending pieces flying in all directions.

Mohamed Salah scored one goal and provided an assist, while Cody Gakpo’s early tap-in marked his seventh goal in nine matches for both club and country.

The relentless pressing from Dominik Szoboszlai and Luis Diaz, along with late substitute Darwin Nunez, overwhelmed Manchester City, turning the tables on Guardiola in a manner he has often executed against others.

Guardiola acknowledged the threat posed by Salah, Gakpo, and their teammates at Liverpool, stating, “In the first 50, 55 minutes, we struggled, as we have in the past when visiting here.

“We suffered, they scored, and we found ourselves 1-0 down.”

He added, “We cannot compete against Liverpool, and not just them, but many other teams that excel in transition and can strike quickly on the counter-attack.”

Once again, Guardiola’s team selection faced scrutiny as Manchester City experienced their sixth defeat in seven matches.

He opted to leave wingers Jeremy Doku, Jack Grealish, and Savinho on the bench, starting Nunes and Lewis in the wider positions instead.

Guardiola explained that his intention was to gain greater control over possession, believing that maintaining the ball would serve as the most effective defense against Liverpool’s counter-attacking prowess.

However, this strategy did not yield the expected outcomes, despite Manchester City managing to hold 57 percent of possession during the match on Sunday.

“I appreciate wingers, but I sought more control because we understand that when they lose the ball, they can counter-attack with players like Salah, Szoboszlai, Luiz, Gakpo, and then Nunez,” Guardiola remarked.

“They are incredibly fast, stronger, and quicker than us in those positions.”

Indeed, they are stronger, quicker, faster, and, most crucially, superior.

Arne Slot is prepared for the challenge posed by Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Currently, there is arguably no team in European football as formidable as Arne Slot’s dynamic Reds.

Just days prior, Liverpool decisively defeated Real Madrid in the Champions League, while Manchester City faced a similarly overwhelming defeat against a team reminiscent of Jurgen Klopp’s squad that dominated the Premier League by Christmas in the 2019/20 season.

Under Slot’s management, their record now boasts an impressive 18 victories out of 20 matches.

Liverpool aims to maintain, or even increase, their nine-point lead over Arsenal on Wednesday night.

While Mikel Arteta’s team takes on Ruben Amorim’s rejuvenated Manchester United, Liverpool will visit an unpredictable Newcastle.

“I believe that whether Liverpool is first, second, third, or fourth in the standings, it always makes for a special match against the teams we encounter,” Slot stated in his Tuesday press conference.

“The league table doesn’t hold as much significance in these encounters.

“When Liverpool comes to town, their stadium is full, and everyone is eager to play against us, striving to deliver their best performance, just as they do against Arsenal, Manchester City, and others.”

My players understand that the season is lengthy. To secure the league title against formidable opponents like Chelsea, Arsenal, and City—whom I currently view as our primary rivals—they recognize the necessity of maintaining peak performance for nine to ten months.

A momentary lapse can be quickly capitalized on by these clubs.

They are aware of Chelsea’s quality, have encountered Arsenal’s strengths, and have already faced City.

It is clear to them that we must consistently perform at our best.

As we prepare to take on Newcastle, they are fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in tomorrow’s match.