Liverpool contested their highly anticipated top-of-the-table clash at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon. The Reds faced Manchester City who had a one-point lead at the summit of the Premier League and after 90 minutes of football, the scores ended 2-2.
It was the first time Jurgen Klopp's men have conceded more than one goal in a single match since facing Chelsea on January 2nd. A total of 20 matches in all competitions were played without Liverpool conceding more than once, which highlights the success of Pep Guardiola's plan on Sunday.
The Spanish coach seemed to mix up his typical approach for the bout. After the game, Klopp said: "They were a bit more direct than they usually are."
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Man City are renowned for methodically building through the thirds of the pitch with the ball on the floor. The Etihad outfit tend to favour short passes and a slow tempo in order to retain maximum control over proceedings.
However, they demonstrated a flexibility against Liverpool over the weekend and it is something that Klopp must consider ahead of the next meeting between the two sides on Saturday afternoon in the FA Cup.
Upon inspection of the game, it is reasonable to suggest that Klopp has a case with his claims. During the match, Man City played a total of 113 high passes, with those defined as passes that are above shoulder-level at peak height.
Across the whole of the current Premier League season, Guardiola's side have played more than 113 high passes on just one occasion against Crystal Palace. They tend to average around 87 per match in England's top-flight.
"When we defended them well - when Hendo stepped up or Thiago stepped up - they had to play back passes," said Klopp. "When we didn't do that, it was just like a set piece and they chipped the balls behind our line."
An example of the type of situation referenced by the Reds boss is pictured below. Aymeric Laporte assumed possession in his own half but no Liverpool player opted to press him, which allowed him to hit a lofted passes behind Klopp's defensive line.
"Without pressure on the ball, you cannot have a high line," said Klopp, which could offer an insight into a minor adjustment ahead of Saturday's rematch at Wembley.
If Man City are going to continue attempting to exploit the height of Liverpool's line by playing in a more direct manner at times, the answer could be more pressing - particularly higher up the field - to ensure that no player gets the same time and space as Laporte did in the above example.
The Reds are known for their pressing efforts but against Man City, they tend to show their opponents the upmost respect by picking their moments carefully. That will have to continue if Liverpool are to remain defensively secure but next week, they will have to find a way to pressurise Guardiola's centre-backs more often.
Klopp must negate the latest ploy of his direct rival if his team are going to reach their second domestic final of the campaign.
