In their opening competitive fixture of the 2022/23 season, Manchester City took on arguably their biggest competitors for trophies in Liverpool, in the 2022 FA Community Shield.
The match started in usual Manchester City fashion, with the Blues dominating possession at the King Power Stadium from the off.
However, it was Liverpool who took the lead through Trent Alexander-Arnold after just 21 minutes.
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That concluded the first-half, before the second period of football began and more of the same prevailed, with Manchester City struggling to capitalise on big chances.
Summer recruit Julian Alvarez eventually scored to level it up for Pep Guardiola's squad, but that didn’t prove to be enough, as Mohammed Salah added a second from the penalty spot, before Jurgen Klopp's new striker signing Darwin Nunez made it three in added time.
Here are five things we learned from a disappointing start to the new season.
Style of play change to suit Erling Haaland
Saturday evening saw Erling Haaland embark on his official Manchester City debut.
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While most were disappointed by his infamous miss late on, this overshadowed the real reason why he seemed to struggle.
Due to Manchester City’s identity of playing with a false-nine for many of the last few months, their play adapted accordingly.
However, this is something that doesn’t quite suit an out and out number nine like Erling Haaland - who largely thrives off early crosses into the box and balls played through to him.
I feel as though if Manchester City were to, and likely will, adapt to his style of play then he can be clinical in a Sky Blue shirt, as he did still show plenty of his ability at the weekend.
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Joao Cancelo worries
It feels a really shame to say this given how good he was last season, but Joao Cancelo seemed to struggle at left-back against Jurgen Klopp's side.
Granted it is certainly not the Portugal international's natural position, but with how brilliant he was last season, Joao Cancelo really didn’t seem himself.
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The newly-appointed number seven seemed to find it difficult to deal with Liverpool’s attacking threat and was subsequently caught out on multiple occasions because of this.
Ruben Dias taking over Vincent Kompany’s reigns
Despite a disappointing performance against last season's Premier League runners-up, Ruben Dias was the man with the armband and rightfully so too.
As Manchester City’s captain, he commanded the back line very well, or at least as well as he could given the circumstances.
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The 25 year-old looked assertive and it is certainly a sign of things to come.
Julian Alvarez fits into the team like a glove
Wow.
What a performance from Julian Alvarez after coming on from the substitutes bench in the second-half.
To say that he only entered the pitch after 70 minutes, he really made a difference.
From the off, he applied constant pressure, forcing Liverpool’s back line into making mistakes.
The Argentine international got a well deserved goal, as he picked up the pieces following Phil Foden’s effort - again due to his high effort levels.
Phil Foden is key
Another player who unsurprisingly impressed when he came on was Phil Foden.
Combined with Julian Alvarez, he made a real difference, adding a new dimension out wide for the Blues.
He also floated into the midfield from time to time in his efforts to cover every blade of grass he could.
A Phil Foden - Erling Haaland - Julian Alvarez front three this coming season could be the way forward for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City's attacking threat.
Topics: Liverpool, Manchester City, Community Shield, Premier League, Football
Louis Writtle