With his second-half goal, Mohamed Salah interrupted Manchester City’s undefeated start to the season and gave Liverpool a 1-0 victory over the reigning Premier League champion.
On a dramatic day at Anfield, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was sent off for furiously running out of his technical area, while City coach Pep Guardiola angrily remonstrated with the home fans after seeing Phil Foden’s goal ruled out by VAR.
After Alisson’s deft long clearance went straight at his feet in the 76th minute, Salah, who recorded the quickest hat trick in Champions League history against Rangers on Wednesday, provided the game-changing play.
Salah sent a shot past Ederson while sprinting clear to put Liverpool in front.
The attacker thought he was ready to be replaced just moments earlier when Klopp mistakenly raised his number as he prepared to make substitutions.
City’s loss puts Pep Guardiola’s squad four points behind leader Arsenal, which earlier in the day defeated Leeds 1-0.
The win gives Liverpool confidence that it can bounce back from a lacklustre start to the season that left it 13 points behind City before kickoff.
This match seemed like the Premier League’s elite after the two teams’ domination in recent years, despite Liverpool’s troubles thus far this season.
An even first half, with both teams having opportunities to grab the lead, served as confirmation of that.
Erling Haaland forced two saves from Alisson and might have performed better with at least one close-range header, while Andy Robertson missed Liverpool’s best opportunity.
After the break, Salah sprinted toward goal and appeared destined to score, igniting the game.
However, the Egyptian’s attempt missed the post despite Ederson’s critical touch, as further replays revealed.
The referees failed to detect that, therefore City restarted the game with a goal kick, from which Foden finally scored.
VAR invited referee Anthony Taylor to view the incident on the pitch-side monitor as the away supporters cheered.
Taylor disallowed the goal for a foul on Fabinho in the buildup as he walked by an enraged Guardiola, who yelled angrily.
The City manager was enraged and was gesturing to the Anfield supporters in the dugout.
When Salah scored to put Liverpool ahead, the stadium exploded in celebration of his fury.
Alisson then sent a kick downfield to precisely hit his partner after Kevin de Bruyne’s imprecise free kick was gathered by the goalie.
This time, Salah’s finish was flawless.
There was still time for drama when Klopp left his technical area quickly to challenge a ruling, earning himself a red card.
Replace Darwin When Nunez blew a late opportunity with only Ederson to beat, Liverpool’s advantage might have been doubled.
Liverpool triumphs as Salah ends Man City’s unbeaten start.
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