Gary Neville pinpointed why Manchester City were able to mask their flaws when not performing to their best unlike Liverpool.
The Sky Sports pundit shared it was obvious when the Reds weren’t firing on all cylinders as they only had one way of playing and that was when they played at ‘100mph’.
Neville shared this was different from Man City who play to a control tempo which allows them to always look relaxed and composed no matter their condition.
“Just Liverpool have one way of playing and that’s at 100mph and when you don’t see them at 100mph it’s obvious,” said Neville while on commentary for the Reds’ clash with Man City (Sky Sports Main Event, October 7 16:57).
“Where as Man City do play at a controlled tempo and controlled pressing game so it’s less obvious when they’re tired because they always look relaxed and composed.”
OPINION
This is an interesting insight by Neville as the Reds do look like their underperforming anytime they don’t burst out of the blocks. However that doesn’t necessarily mean they are and they may be taking a more cautious approach to the game. Although it is harsh of Neville to describe Liverpool as only having one way of playing as they have many strings to their bow. The Reds have improved their defence massively in recent times and are equipped to sit deep and defend if necessary. Jurgen Klopp simply doesn’t opt to play this way as when you have one of the best front three in Europe, why would you keep them leashed rather than have them be your opponents’ nightmare.
