Liverpool Collapse at the Etihad as City Cruise Past Slot’s Struggling Reds 3–0 🔵🔴
It was another miserable afternoon for Arne Slot and his Liverpool side, as they fell to a 3–0 defeat against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City — on what was the Spaniard’s 1000th match as a manager.
The loss marked yet another setback in what has become an increasingly turbulent and inconsistent season for Liverpool under their new boss.
⚽ City Ruthless, Liverpool Lifeless
The match began with promise for the visitors, but the momentum quickly swung in City’s favour. After missing an early penalty — brilliantly saved by Liverpool’s stand-in goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili — Erling Haaland eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute, making no mistake the second time around.
The Georgian keeper, deputising in goal, had impressed with several early interventions, yet his efforts could only delay the inevitable as City’s relentless pressure paid off.
Liverpool thought they had found a lifeline shortly after when Virgil van Dijk headed home from close range, only for VAR to intervene.
A brief review concluded that Andy Robertson was offside in the build-up, with the Premier League later clarifying:
“The referee’s call of offside and no goal to Liverpool was checked and confirmed by VAR – with Robertson in an offside position and deemed to be making an obvious action directly in front of the goalkeeper.”
The decision crushed Liverpool’s momentum — and City capitalised ruthlessly. Nico González doubled the lead before halftime, finishing off a slick attacking sequence that left the Reds’ defence scrambling.
In the second half, Jeremy Doku added the third with a stunning solo effort, sealing three points for City and leaving Liverpool reeling.
💥 Fan Fury Targets Konaté
While Liverpool’s overall display drew heavy criticism, one player bore the brunt of supporters’ anger — Ibrahima Konaté.
Fans flooded social media after the match, slamming the defender’s focus and attitude amid rumours of a potential free transfer to Real Madrid next summer.
One fan wrote:
“Replace Konaté in January — he looks disinterested, like his head’s already in Madrid.”
Another fumed:
“Konaté can’t pass, his decision-making is atrocious, and he’s as strong as a bag of Haribo.”
Others were more sarcastic:
“Can we start a GoFundMe to pay for Konaté’s flight to Madrid in January? Gomez can handle the rest of the season.”
Several supporters went as far as labelling him a “liability”, with one post joking that if Madrid do sign him, “Liverpool will have robbed them.”
⚠️ Pressure Mounts on Slot
With four defeats in their last five league outings, questions are now mounting over Arne Slot’s tactical approach and the squad’s mental resilience.
The defeat at the Etihad not only highlighted Liverpool’s defensive frailties but also underlined a growing sense of disconnection — between players, fans, and the new philosophy being implemented at Anfield.
It was a bruising night in Manchester: a harsh scoreline, a controversial VAR call, and a fanbase rapidly losing patience.
Liverpool’s response in the coming weeks could determine whether this is merely a rough patch — or the start of a genuine crisis under Arne Slot.
