John Stones broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute at Anfield (Picture: Getty)
Jamie Carragher has criticised Alexis Mac Allister for his role in John Stones’ opening goal for Manchester City against Liverpool, arguing that the midfielder should have been ‘more aggressive’ at the front post.
Despite Liverpool enjoying 53 per cent of the possession, it was City that had the most shots on target in the first half at Anfield – and the pressure told in the 23rd minute as Kevin De Bruyne found Stones with a cleverly orchestrated corner at Anfield.
The hosts, who put in a much-improved second half display to walk away with a 1-1 draw, appeared to be caught off guard as De Bruyne whipped a low cross into the near post and the England and City man capitalised, beating Caoimhin Kelleher from close-range.
Replays showed Nathan Ake holding off the challenge of Mac Allister in the build-up to Stones’ strike and Gary Neville briefly questioned whether the goal would be checked on Sky Sports’ commentary before agreeing with referee Michael Oliver’s decision to let it stand.
In the studio at half-time, Carragher waxed lyrical about De Bruyne’s quality from the set-piece but felt Mac Allister could have been stronger to hold off Ake and prevent the goal.
‘I think it’s more about Kevin De Bruyne and the quality [rather than lacklustre Liverpool defending], but I just think Mac Allister has got to be more aggressive at that front post,’ the former Liverpool defender said.
Ake held off Mac Allister as De Bruyne swung in the corner (Picture: Sky Sports)
‘It’s obvious that Ake is trying to move him for a reason and it’s just too easy. John Stones, it’s something they will have worked on and credit to Manchester City.
‘As I said, it’s more about Manchester City’s quality than Liverpool, but you can always look at something in the goal.’
Ex-Manchester United captain, meanwhile, applauded De Bruyne’s ‘absolutely fantastic’ delivery to find an unmarked Stones in the box.
‘To deliver that right-footer almost like an outswinger, to get that accuracy, the speed. Brilliant ball,’ Keane said.
‘Stones obviously had worked on it. There’s a little bit of movement, a little bit of blocking.
Manchester City opened the scoring at Anfield (Picture: Getty)
‘The delivery has got to be 100 per cent right and it is.
‘Stones gets a little tap-in, one-touch finish, but the delivery is absolutely fantastic.’
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Mac Allister atoned for his momentary lapse in concentration just five minutes into the second half, beating Ederson from the penalty spot after the goalkeeper had scythed down Darwin Nunez.
The Brazil shot-stopper injured himself in committing the foul and subsequently had to be replaced, with Stefan Ortega coming off in his place between the sticks.
Ahead of kick-off, an injury-hit Liverpool sat second, knowing they could move two points clear of leaders Arsenal with victory over last year’s treble winners.
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