In the office or the playground, the gym or the canteen, the Blues’ impressive victory will be a talking point for football fans – and that’s the case for journalists too…
Today’s main story consists of the relationship between Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus – a discussion sparked by Kun’s unselfish square for City’s third goal.
That act pleased Pep Guardiola, who told press the pair have a ‘top relationship’.
As quoted in an ESPN article, the Blues boss reflected: “That means a lot for me, what Sergio did – a lot.
“They are both good guys and exceptional players and their relationship is top.
“You have all known Sergio for a long time. Of course, they both want to score goals and we need that.
“Strikers are always [thinking]: ‘I want to score more than my teammate’ but it is still important to have the ability to choose the right decision, as Sergio did.
“When it happens the next time, Gabriel is going to do that for Sergio.
“I do not say to my strikers: ‘Pass the ball’ – I tell them: ‘Score a goal, please!’
“But what I saw was good. We want to create something special in the locker room, so that was important for us.
“With the strikers we have, there is no doubt we will score goals. Those players live to score goals.
“But we also need our wingers – like Raheem [Sterling], like Leroy [Sane] – to get in the centre in those positions. That is so important now.
“We can’t just rely on two players – it is not possible.”
Elsewhere, the Boot Room believe Guardiola’s decision to field the two strikers against the Reds proved a masterstroke.
William Pearson was particularly impressed with Jesus’ movement and hunger.
He wrote: “Pep Guardiola’s decision to play both Sergio Aguero and Jesus certainly paid dividends, with the Argentine’s more advanced positioning on the shoulder of the last defender giving Jesus a sense of freedom to drop deep and roam from side to side, stretching a notoriously ropey Liverpool defence.
“From the moment that [Kevin] De Bruyne started seeing more of the ball it enabled the Brazilian to attempt more daring runs, trying to make space for himself or alternatively make room for Aguero.
“It was just reward, then, that Jesus got himself on the score-sheet deep into added time at the end of the first-half – just minutes after seeing an effort chalked off for offside – to put the game to bed.
“He seemed to ghost in between Liverpool’s two centre-backs to get on the end of De Bruyne’s pin-point and pacey cross and nonchalantly nod past Simon Mignolet, giving City an unassailable lead.
“His second effort was perhaps a little easier, keeping pace with Aguero before his strike-partner unselfishly squared the ball to leave Jesus will little else to do other than slot into a gaping goal.
“The 20-year-old’s double took his tally for the season to three from the opening four matches and also extended his impressive goal-scoring record at Manchester City to 10 goals in his 12 starts since arriving in January, with Jesus scoring with 10 of the 19 shots on target he’s attempted in that time.
“The young Brazilian has started the season in fine form and, if he can continue in the same vein throughout the next few months, he could put his side in a strong position to challenge on all fronts.”
Meanwhile, in his Daily Mail column, Jamie Redknapp insists De Bruyne would be the first name on his teamsheet of any Premier League player.
He raves: “Imagine you could start a Premier League team from scratch and sign any player. Kevin De Bruyne would be my first pick — Pep Guardiola is turning him into the complete midfield player.
“I have never seen a player who enjoys making goals as much as De Bruyne. His pass to set up Sergio Aguero for Manchester City against Liverpool was worth the entrance fee alone.
“But what struck me more about De Bruyne’s display was how often he won the ball back for City to set up attacks.
“We all know De Bruyne is a genius with the ball but, by playing slightly deeper, he has come on leaps and bounds when City are out of possession.
“The Belgian has made four more tackles than at the same stage last season and has recovered 13 more loose balls.
“Such is De Bruyne’s strength that few defenders are able to bully him off the ball. Now he is using that strength to win the ball back. He is becoming an all-round midfield maestro.”
