Liverpool survive first-half pressure as Guardiola’s men take control

Guardiola’s side lead every metric but not the score

Liverpool survive first-half pressure as Guardiola’s men take control

Liverpool and Manchester City went in at 0-0 at Anfield on Sunday 8 February 2026 after City controlled most of first half.

First-half: City on the front foot, Liverpool hanging on

Manchester City set the tone early with quick switches and narrow attacking runs spending long spells around Liverpool’s box.

Liverpool struggled to settle but they stayed alive thanks to key blocks and a strong start from Alisson.

City’s best moments came from sustained pressure rather than one big break. Bernardo Silva repeatedly found pockets to drive forward and City forced Liverpool into hurried clearances as crosses and cut-backs kept arriving.

Liverpool’s clearest openings came through Mohamed Salah but his finishing did not match the situations.

One chance came after loose moment from Gianluigi Donnarumma on cross but Salah lifted the ball over from a tight angle.

A separate attack saw Marc Guéhi step in to deny Salah before he could get clean shot away.

First-half stats

Opta-powered live data showed clear City edge at the break:

• Score: 0-0
• Possession: Liverpool 39% — Man City 61%
• Shots: Liverpool 3 — Man City 10
• Expected goals (xG): Liverpool 0.14 — Man City 1.17
• Big chances: Liverpool 0 — Man City 1

Key chances & moments that shaped the half

Early warning for Liverpool: City created an opening for Erling Haaland that ended with Alisson smothering the danger, setting the tone for Liverpool’s defensive job.

City’s near-miss from range: Semenyo’s effort was blocked after slick move that pulled Liverpool’s shape apart.

Marmoush off target: After Haaland laid the ball into his path, Omar Marmoush shot wide from promising area.

Liverpool’s best route: Mac Allister’s pass into Salah created space but the chance faded as City recovered quickly.

Controversial moments and discipline

The first half included at least one big appeal: Marmoush went down under pressure from Ibrahima Konaté inside the Liverpool area but the referee waved play on.

Marmoush also picked up yellow card in the 42 minute