FIVE things we learned from City vs Liverpool

Potentially the most surprising result of the weekend

Liverpool perhaps provided the shock of the Premier League fixtures, as they defeated Manchester City 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Here’s five things that the team here at SillySeason learned from the live Saturday Night Football match:

1. Demechelis and Mangala were poor

City boss Manuel Pellegrini decided to start Martin Demechelis and Eliaquim Mangala as his centre-back pairing and it backfired… massively.

It was a disastrous 90 minutes from two defenders who have bags of experience between them and cost the Sky Blues approximately £36 million.

There was no cohesion or co-operation between the two, constantly keeping Liverpool’s attacking players onside and playing stray passes that would put their team on the back foot.

Ultimately, the team conceded four goals, but Demechelis and Mangala were at fault for the first three; including and own goal from the latter.

It might well have been a different scoreline and result if club captain Vincent Kompany was fit and Nicolas Otamendi started the match.

Otamendi was on the bench but Pellegrini opted to not bring him on as a substitute. If he’s fit enough to be in the match day squad, surely he’s fit enough to play?

2. Firmino showing his worth?

Roberto Firmino signed for Liverpool from Hoffenheim in the summer and the Reds’ fans were visibly excited.

However, in his first few games for the club he struggled to adapt to the demands of the Premier League and then suffered an injury setback when he cracked a bone in his back.

Many believe we didn’t see the best of the Brazilian under Brendan Rodgers as utilised him in the wrong position – out on the right-hand side of midfield.

Since Jurgen Klopp’s arrival, Firmino has flourished. This could be down to the fact that Klopp has significant experience of the Bundesliga and Firmino has applied the majority of his club career in Germany’s top division.

Whichever way you look at it, Firmino looks to be slowly repaying his price tag and could become a real fans favourite at Anfield.

The 24-year old is relishing his role down the middle, whether it be leading the line as the main striker or just in behind as the ‘number 10’, and he showed that yesterday with a goal and two assists.

3. City need to keep Aguero fit

There is no question that, on his day, Sergio Aguero is one of the best centre forwards in the world.

BUT we all know he has a massive problem which often prevents him from reaching his full potential and that’s the fact that he is prone to injuries.

The Argentinian played just over an hour yesterday and scored a quality goal, albeit for the losing side.

It’s now time for City to try and manage their talisman a bit better, so that his injuries aren’t as frequent, yet his goalscoring is. That is easier said then done, of course.

4. Coutinho back to his very best

We all know the talent that Phillipe Coutinho possesses and it could be said that he doesn’t deliver top class performances on a consistent basis.

Despite this theory, the little Brazilian looks as if he is regaining some constant form at last under Jurgen Klopp’s guidance.

He was a real thorn in Manchester City’s side, using his high energy levels to press City’s defensive line and using his creative football brain to produce some excellent link up play with Firmino.

The 23-year old also grabbed a goal, which won’t do him any harm as he is very much a confidence player.

5. Klopp’s style shone through

We know what kind of charismatic and enthusiastic reputation Jurgen Klopp brings, but he also implements a specific style of play to his team.

The tactical influence of gegenpressing is what the German will want to insert over time, but there were signs of it in yesterday’s victory.

Klopp will obviously want to offload some players in the transfer window and will want to bring in some of his own signings, as it is a long-term project under his leadership.

However, there are players in this current Liverpool squad who have taken to his ideas extremely well, especially Nathaniel Clyne, Alberto Moreno, Adam Lallana and the aforementioned Firmino and Coutinho.