What Pep Guardiola said about Liverpool in 2021 shows what could happen next at Anfield

Pep Guardiola, often the most prescient of managers, had long known what would be coming from Liverpool.

“Anfield, with people and without, is completely different,” said the Manchester City boss after his only win at the stadium back in February 2021. “I could imagine after Liverpool made it 1-1 what Anfield could be like and the influence on their players.”

Back then, the Reds had been behind at the break before drawing level from the spot in the early stages of the second half, only to crumble dramatically as City romped to a 4-1 triumph.

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This time, though, come the final whistle it was the visitors who were on the ropes, grateful Liverpool were unable to land a knockout blow in a thrilling, high-quality encounter between the two Premier League title contenders.

Not that many had envisaged honours being shared in the opening half-hour as City put on a performance worthy of champions and led through a cleverly-worked corner converted by John Stones.

In those tortuous early stages, the Reds’ lengthy list of absentees – added to by Ibrahima Konate – appeared to have taken an inevitable toll.

Liverpool, though, are this season’s comeback kings for a reason. And the second half was a mirror image of the first with City spooked as the Reds, roared on by the home crowd, drew level through Alexis Mac Allister’s penalty.

Anfield has always been able to smell not only when something is brewing but also when greater backing is required. And their raucous support injected Jurgen Klopp’s side with new momentum and, as has often been the case, knocked City out of their stride.

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